Gary Neville called on Valencia to ‘fight like crazy’ in the Europa League second leg with Athletic Bilbao.
Los Che trail Los Leones from the first leg but with the tournament now Valencia’s only chance of making a successful season, Neville is confident his side can overturn the score, despite losing to Athletic in the League recently.
“I’ve spoken to the players. If you look at the League match, we should have scored and had two penalties. We can win,” he told a Press conference, AS reports.
“There are moments that define everything. Even in the unacceptable game against Levante, there were two chances that could have changed everything.
“We know Athletic very well. They’re aggressive in the middle. We have to counter that and we have to prevent them getting the ball to Aritz Aduriz.
“I always think we’ll win at Mestalla. We’ve had a tough time but we have to fight like crazy. We have to move on from the game against Levante. We have to take our chances.
“You’re always the favourite at home. We’re confident and we’ll win. I won’t hide.”
Neville has come under fire of late, particularly after losing the derby to Levante, but he accepts the stick and vows to keep trying to change the team’s fortunes.
“I believe in myself 100%. I will fight every day. My commitment won’t change,” he promised.
“The criticism was justified after the match against Levante. I’ve been in football a long time and it was indefensible. I understand the fans’ anger.
“I’ve experienced this kind of pressure as England assistant manager. I don’t feel destabilised by it. You have to play well. Or give up and know what the consequences are.”
