Gary Neville insists he and Valencia haven’t discussed transfers, preferring instead to assess the players and work with the squad he inherits.
The former Manchester United and England defender took over from Nuno Santo and, at his first Press conference, proved indifferent to the idea of working with a sporting director.
“I’ve seen sporting directors work and not work. It’s about the people, individuals, making good decisions and clear responsibilities. I’m clear on mine until the end of the season,” he said.
“We haven’t talked about January transfers. The idea of a Coach or a player taking about anything other than players at this club disgusts me. I want to work with the players here and I have full faith in them.
“They deserve the opportunity. They’re wearing the shirt and will do it with pride I’m sure. It’s not even a consideration, I want to work with the players we have.”
Valencia have the youngest squad in the Primera and Neville spoke of working to avoid making rash decisions regarding the players.
“The young players in the squad need time to mature, they need faith and belief to grow and develop and also I think it’s easy to make decisions on young players too soon,” he said.
“I’m very patient. I won’t make a decision that won’t be for the long-term. I won’t think short-term.
“Confidence and belief seems to have faltered slightly and that happens when results aren’t going well and the pressure is on, so that’s the first thing to work on.
“I’m excited to work with the players, they wouldn’t be here if they weren’t quality. Everyone has a clean slate. I wouldn’t single out individuals.”
Neville concluded a lengthy Press conference by promising not to restrain himself in trying to make Valencia a winning team.
“Everything I do is with the dream to be the best and that’s the way I approach everything. This is no different. It’ll be full commitment, no holding back. Valencia will get every last ounce of effort I can give. Hopefully that’ll lead success,” he vowed.
“Managers here have won titles and created history here, so it’s possible. I’m aware of the demands and expectation. I know if fall behind I won’t be here. I know the business I’m in.”
The rest of Neville’s first Press conference as Valencia Coach can be found here, here, here and here.
Image via www.valenciacf.com
