Valencia’s new head coach Gary Neville relishing new task

“In Valencia we know nearly nothing about Gary Neville, he’s an unknown”, said Cañizares, 45.

Neville said at his presentation that his plan was to take Spanish classes at 6 a.m. each day, and Voro said language should not be a major obstacle for the former defender.

Gary Neville sits during his official presentation as Valencia’s new coach at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia yesterday. But he said that despite Neville’s golden reputation as a player, TV pundit and assistant to England manager Roy Hodgson, he will not be afforded for too long the luxury of learning on the job in his first managerial role. It’s the sort of thing only Neville would do.

Neville’s first match in charge will be on Wednesday, when his side host Lyon in a Champions League tie they must win to qualify for the knockout stages. “I am very happy but also curious how he will do”. “I just told them I’m here to give my all and to give my best and I expect the same from them really”.

Despite growing interest from United in the former Fleetwood man – as revealed in the Daily Star Sunday last month – Leicester are adamant £25million-rated Vardy is going nowhere in January.

Ranieri, now manager of Barclays Premier League high-fliers Leicester, had two stints in charge of Valencia from 1997 to 1999 and 2004 to 2005. I’ve played against some excellent Valencia players.

Van Gaal admitted that having brother Phil, who has been a coach at Valencia since this past summer and is now proficient in Spanish, on the staff will be beneficial for Gary as he looks to adapt to a new country and culture.

Interim coach Salvador Gonzalez, with Gary’s brother Phil Neville as his assistant, will oversee Saturday’s clash against league leaders Barcelona. That is the way that they see it in Valencia, so there is pressure for him. The atmosphere and intimidation is something I want to harness.

“He added: “I’m incredibly excited to be here”.

“I understand why these questions are being asked and I have to provide the answers on the football pitch in the coming months”. “I am not interested in bringing over an army of coaches [from England]”, he said.

Although he only has a deal to the end of the season, Neville said his family would be moving over in the New Year as “the only way to approach any football job is to think of it as permanent job”.

But with the shoe now on the other foot, Mourinho has wished Neville well following his decision to move into management with a surprise move to Valencia, but he has warned the 40-year-old that it could prove a tougher proposition than he originally thought.