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Football

14th Feb 2016

A Liverpool Champions League winner is joining Gary Neville’s Valencia staff

Linking up

Gareth Makim

Gary Neville is adding a experienced voice to his backroom team.

The former Manchester United star has had a difficult start to managerial life, but finally picked up his first win in La Liga last night.

Neville will be hoping to build on that momentum and guide Valencia from midtable back into contention for a place in next season’s Europa League.

To that end, he has moved to add some veteran nous to a backroom team which also includes brother Phil, with former Liverpool assistant Pako Ayestaran arriving at the club this week.

Liverpool Press Conference And Training

Ayestaran is a disciple of Rafael Benitez, and followed the Spaniard to Anfield from Valencia, where the pair won two La Liga titles, in 2004. He helped his boss guide the Reds to their famous 2005 Champions League triumph before going on to manage in Israel and Mexico.

“Pako Ayestaran will join my coaching team on Monday,” said Neville said.

“He’s been here before. But I would like to clarify that this does not mean he is replacing any of current staff, I have been delighted with them, it is just to strengthen my coaching team.”

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