Friday 4 December 2015 15:49, UK
Louis van Gaal has suggested Gary Neville has his work cut out to revive the fortunes of Valencia.
The former Manchester United defender turned Sky Sports football analyst took his first job in management on Wednesday when he was appointed head coach of Valencia.
Valencia are six-time Spanish champions but currently sit ninth in the table and Van Gaal thinks Neville has a 'very difficult' job on his hands.
"Valencia is a very big club in Spain with a lot of history," Van Gaal said.
"They have won a lot of titles also, so it's a big step, a big challenge for him. I am very happy but also curious how he shall do that.
"I was 39 when I stepped in with Ajax, he's 40, so it's a big responsibility. You can never imagine what it is to be a player, and then a manager.
"I hope he makes the right decisions, I don't know him well, but I read [Sir Alex] Ferguson has confidence in him. I like it when ex-players go in that profession, but it's a big step, it was for me."
Van Gaal is confident the presence of brother Phil on Valencia's coaching staff will benefit Neville greatly but admits there are plenty of obstacles for the former England defender to overcome.
"He doesn't speak the language so it's very difficult," Van Gaal said. "He has his brother, he speaks fluent Spanish, but still it's a big challenge and I wish him a lot of luck because he needs luck."
When asked if the language barrier would prove to be Neville's biggest obstacle to success, Van Gaal said: "No, you have also culture dimensions, that is also difficult to understand.
"I have to adapt also as a manager to the culture of England and these dimensions are not always fitting in your way of thinking but you have to do it."
What other managers had to say about Neville's appointment:
Manuel Pellegrini: "It is a good challenge because Valencia is a very big club, an important club, and the fans are very demanding in every game. It is a good opportunity for Neville to demonstrate what he can do as a manager.
"I think he works so many years in TV he knows La Liga. There are two very strong teams that are very difficult to beat them, after that you have three of four teams always fighting to play in the Champions League. Valencia is in those teams."
Jose Mourinho: "There is no advice, no encouragement. I just wish him well.
"He said something that is right: there is always a first day for a manager. Always. Every one of us had a first day. If he wants to be a manager, he must have a first day. He's having that first day. He was a very good player and a very good pundit."
