Gary Neville’s unveiling at Valencia has been hotly anticipated, with the former England defender’s appointment coming out of the blue for many.
The 40-year-old has joined on an initial short-term deal until the end of the current season, and answered the media’s questions across a lengthy press conference at the club’s Mestalla stadium.
Here are some of the highlights.
On the quality of the current squad
Phil [brother and assistant coach Phil Neville] speaks very highly of the squad in terms of their application and dedication, their abilities, their talents and their enthusiasm to change, and that’s given me great enthusiasm as well.
On relocating
My family will come over here permanently. I always wanted, when I was at the club I played for, for foreign players to show commitment and immerse themselves in the culture and it is vitally important that I show that commitment even though it is only a six-month position
On thinking long-term
The only way to approach any football job is to think of it as a permanent job. Every decision I make will not be a short term decision, I don’t believe in working that way. I’m looking at creating stability at Valencia Football Club
On learning Spanish
I don’t speak the language but have to immerse myself and I will take lessons every day. I want to do what Philip has done.
A lot of the coaching team and backroom team speak English but…I certainly will be needing help in this coming period. To be clear I have to pick up some key phrases as early as possible and to learn as quickly as possible
On Valencia’s traditions
The only way to approach any football job is to think of it as a permanent job. Every decision I make will not be a short term decision, I don’t believe in working that way. I’m looking at creating stability at Valencia Football Club
On the atmosphere at the Mestalla
When I played here this was a horrible place to play football for a n opposing team. The ultimate is to getthe fans excited and wanting to come back and be as ferocious as they were against us all those years ago
On the fans
I understand the fan of a football club is the most import person at any football club. The rest of us are here to guard and serve and deliver the success they need. The fans are demanding but they should be demanding. It’s up to the rest of us on this side to meet their demands.
On January transfers
I always think the idea of a coach or a player talking about anyone other than the players at the club would disgust me. I want to work with the players in the dressing room, before anything else they deserve to play for Valenciua Football Club.
On his biggest influences
My last four to five years outside football have been the biggest influence of how I’ll work. Managing businesses, working under Roy Hodgson and changing my perceptions of management and how to deal with players. It’s very different to how it might have been five years ago.
On the future of Salford City
Salford city has a 14-person committee, players and a maneger. There are three other owners who live very close to the ground. My involvement will be minimal; the club runs itself extremely well.
