Gary Neville braced for Spanish inquisition at Valencia
Neville walks out of the TV studio and into a hugely difficult sporting and political situation at the La Liga club — with his appointment another sign that overseas owner Peter Lim has broken with the club’s history and the city’s football tradition.
On the pitch, Neville’s first game will be a must-win Champions League final group game at home to Lyon next Wednesday as he does not take charge until after in-form La Liga leaders Barcelona visit Mestalla on Saturday evening. Last night, the club beat minnows Barikaldo 3-1 in the Copa del Rey.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity with Valencia,” Neville said.
“Valencia are a huge football club of immense standing and I know from my time as a player the passion and dedication of the Valencia fans. I’m really looking forward to working with the club’s talented group of players and am excited about the challenge ahead.”
The 40-year-old’s immediate task will be to organise and motivate a young group of players who have looked rudderless all season. Previous coach Nuno left after his side managed zero shots at goal during Sunday’s 0-1 La Liga defeat at Sevilla.
Off the field lies a minefield of complications which Neville may or may not be aware of. Valencia are traditionally one of Spain’s four biggest clubs.
However, recent financial issues. stemming partly from a botched stadium move, have helped Singapore businessman Lim gradually take control over the last two years.
More than €200m has been spent on new players — at least 10 of which are represented by Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes, and few of whom have impressed. Unhappy fans at the Mestalla have whistled the team and ex-coach Nuno regularly through recent months, with the atmosphere increasingly febrile after former president Amadeo Salvo and sporting director Rufete were forced out last summer.
A fans group called ‘Marea Valencianista’ (Valencian Tide) have lodged a legal complaint against the “looting of the club”, while local pundits including former goalkeeper Santi Canizares have loudly questioned the club’s new leadership.
Valencia president Layhoon Chan, a long-time associate of Lim, has repeatedly denied Mendes is the real power at the club.
“I’m fed up speaking about Jorge Mendes at every press conference,” Chan said last Monday.
“If Mendes controlled the club, Nuno would not have left today. This is all based on results and performances. And the same goes for the players we have signed. Mr Lim will be directly involved in [deciding the new coach].
“We have always said that, in institutional terms, this is a long-term commitment. Twelve months ago, the club was bankrupt, there was no money to pay the bills. We hope to be back here in a few days or weeks to make the announcement.”
Less than 48 hours later, Neville’s appointment was revealed.
At first glance, this looks very much a Lim appointment. He knows Neville personally due to their joint involvement in owning English non-league club Salford City. Philip Neville, another of the ‘Class of 92’ group of ex-Manchester United players, is already at the Mestalla, having joined as assistant coach last summer.
Gary Neville has left his job with Sky Sports, but he will continue working as an assistant to England manager Roy Hodgson for next summer’s Euro 2016 finals in France.
In the short-term the main priority will be to qualify for the Champions League again next season — which is quite possible, as Valencia are currently just five points behind fourth placed Celta Vigo. Lifting the mood of the dressing room will be vital.
The longer term is harder to predict. Another ex-United figure David Moyes had bags of managerial experience, but lasted just a year in a much easier situation at Real Sociedad.
Neville might be Lim’s man, and an impressive on-pitch leader and analyst. But he is a managerial novice becoming Valencia’s seventh head coach in just over six hugely turbulent years. He has a tough task ahead.
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