Gary Neville: Valencia boss delays return to England duty to focus on La Liga side
Roy Hodgson's assistant was due to meet up with the national squad on Tuesday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gary Neville has delayed joining up with England for the forthcoming international friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands in order to focus on his duties at Valencia.
The former Manchester United full-back saw his side suffer a third consecutive league defeat when going down 2-0 to Celta Vigo at home on Sunday night, a result which left them six points off the La Liga relegation zone.
Neville, who combines his managerial role at the Mestalla with a role as Roy Hodgson’s assistant, was due to meet up with the national squad on Tuesday but will now fly to England 48 hours later.
The 41-year-old coach will take training in Valencia on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, as he looks to curb Los Che’s declining form.
"I've just spoken to Roy Hodgson, I'm going to stay back in Valencia, I feel it's the right thing to do," he said in a press conference after the defeat to Celta.
"I will go on Thursday afternoon, the players have got a break on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so from that point of view I'm only going to miss one and a half sessions."
"Obviously it's not an ideal situation, in respect to the fact that before I came here I was the assistant coach for the national team of England, with 60 million people, but I understand the two or three million people in Valencia deserve my time this week," Neville added.
"The last thing I want levelled at me when I leave here is that is Gary Neville lacks commitment, because it's not something that's ever been said about me in my life.
"I have to say that I have dual roles at this moment in time. I was an English coach for three and a half years and I love doing that but they are friendly matches. They are very important matches for England but we have three important days training here.
"I have come to love this club and city, I want to give my all to the club, they deserve nothing less."
This is the first time that Neville has had to fulfil his duties with England since his appointment as Valencia manager in December.
The club’s fans, whom also saw their side eliminated from the Europa League last week, are becoming increasingly hostile towards the former Sky Sports pundit’s management
A chorus of “Neville go now” was heard coming from the home crowd after Hugo Mallo doubled Celta’s lead in the 84th minute.
Additional reporting by PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments