Valencia CF are languishing at the 6th spot on the La Liga table but seem to have received a huge shot in the arm, as they announced the arrival of Manchester United legend Gary Neville as their new head coach.
Former head coach Nuno was sacked from his job last month with the team in sixth spot on the La Liga table. Neville, who has had prior coaching experience as one of the trainers of the England national side, will finally get to take over as a full-time manager at the Spanish club from Sunday.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT | @GNev2 . -> https://t.co/52OIkdke0h #WelcomeGaryNeville pic.twitter.com/pcHV3oUTOA
a Valencia CF English (@valenciacf_en) December 2, 2015
“We are delighted to have been able to have Gary as quickly. He is a person who combines technical expertise as part of the coaching staff of the England team and a brilliant playing career at Manchester United and his team,” Valencia CF president Chan Lay Hoon was quoted saying in the Daily Express.
“Throughout his career, Gary has always shown a high level of leadership on and off the field,” continued Hoon. “He is greatly respected in the English football and have been these qualities that have convinced us that it is the right choice to lead the team until the end of season”
Neville’s brother, Phil had been an assistant manager at the club under former coach Nuno’s regime and was retained even after the Portuguese was sacked. Phil Neville is to remain at the club, to assist his brother Gary, as the duo now take on a new challenge at Valencia.
“I am excited and I am proud to have received this huge opportunity with Valencia Football Club,” said Gary Neville. “It is a huge club, of immense prestige and I remember well from my time as a player, the passion and loyalty of their fans.
“I’m looking forward to working with them, I know it’s a group of very talented players. I am very excited about the challenge that lies ahead together.”
Gary Neville to join after FC Barcelona match
Although the arrival of Gary Neville is good news for a struggling Valencia CF side, the former England and Manchester United international is not set to take over immediately. They have a Wednesday night Copa Del Rey match against Barakaldo FC, who hail from the third tier of Spanish football.
This match is followed by top-dogs FC Barcelona making a visit to the Mestalla Stadium for a La Liga encounter. Gary is set to miss this game too, as he is to take over at the helm of the club on Sunday the day after the match.
However, he will be in the Valencia CF dugout during their Champions League Group H encounter against Olympique Lyon, at home.