Gary Neville Sacked As Valencia Coach

 

Gary Neville has been sacked as Valencia first-team coach after less than four months in charge. The former Manchester United and England right-back has been shown the door by the Spanish club after guiding the team to only three wins from 16 La Liga games. The 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo on March 20 was Valencia's third successive loss and left them in 14th place in the table, just six points above the relegation zone.

A statement from the La Liga club read: “After careful consideration, the club have decided to make a change with the best interests of the Valencia CF moving forward this season. We thank Gary for his work at Valencia and wish him the best in the future”. Neville also issued a statement on the club's website saying “I want to thank Valencia, the fans, the coaching staff and players. I would have liked to continue the work I started, but I understand that we are in business based on results and in 28 games we have seen 10 wins, seven draws and 11 defeats, which is not the level demanded by me or by this club”.

Neville was appointed as Valencia manager on a six-month contract on December 2 after Nuno Espirito Santo decided to step down from the position and combined the role alongside his duties as England coach.
Pako Ayestaran, who was assistant coach of Valencia from 2001 to 2004 under Rafa Benitez, has been appointed as head coach of the club until the end of the season.