Gary Neville has had a turbulent start to life as manager of Valencia in Spain.
One of the biggest clubs outside the Madrid-Barcelona stronghold, the fans expect results, good play and star names.
He finally got his first victory last week as his side limped to a 2-1 victory over Espanyol, who are languishing in 17th place. Despite the result, it wasn’t the most straightforward of games for Los Che, with the visitors causing them trouble on numerous occasions despite their lowly league placing.
Neville’s side have lost games they should have won this season and he very much got the rub of the green this time out – but he somewhat deserves it. It’s been a tough start and the supporters have voiced their anger at the results that have been falling into shape since the Englishman’s arrival.
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But were the expectation levels always too high for Neville, quite simply because he is who he is?
It’s difficult to beat around the bush when saying this, but Gary Neville was and will always be one of Manchester United’s best ever defenders. He’s a legend and he single-handedly held down the right-back berth at Old Trafford for sixteen years, which is impressive in this day and age.
He kept quality players out of the side and helped United win trophy after trophy, and it’s not unfair to suggest that United have struggled to replace him, even now. But with any legacy comes the expectation to succeed in any occupation that Neville fulfils in his life here on in.
Whether it was the Salford City chairman job, or now this Valencia position, he will be under pressure.
Being a fantastic player doesn’t make you a fantastic manager or coach, but many feel Neville hasn’t done much wrong in the Mestalla hotseat. He needs time, patience and the backing of the feisty Spanish crowds.
But that is difficult because expectation has, and will always be high in that area of the country. Valencia are arguably the most successful team in Spain apart from the big two and with that comes a hefty responsibility to keep in touch with them and one day, overcome them.
Ask David Moyes about the pressure at Valencia. He wasn’t even their manager but the first thing he was asked in a press conference for a game against Valencia was: ‘Do you think Valencia can compete and get above Barcelona and Real Madrid’?
It wasn’t even to do with his side and the local press wanted to know if the former Manchester United manager thinks they can have success. They care so much about breaking apart the top two and they care what the rest of the world thinks of them too.
That’s the sort of expectation and pressure Neville had to walk into when he started the job. His side were on a poor run of form when he took the reins and the continued struggle led to a hostile, choppy atmosphere at the club.
Neville and his supporters will hope that this win can spur them on to improved form, but most know that only a La Liga title will bring undying respect amongst the Los Murcielagos.
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