It was a cold December night when Manchester United with a
young Gary Neville in the squad win over Rapid Vienna 2-0.The Legendary captain
of the "Red Devils", the current coach of Valencia brings fond
memories of the tour in Vienna.
- Yes I do remember the game against Rapid. It was a cold, rainy, we won 2-0 and such away wins always remain in good memories – said Neville for the match that Manchester in 1996 won against Rapid with goals from Giggs and Cantona.
Although currently seems very distant, Neville still has not
ruled out that one day come again in Vienna with "Red Devils" expedition
of course in another role.
- Ha ha, maybe. But now I dont think about it, I'm focused
on Valencia and the upcoming matches in the Europa League and the Spanish
Championship - replied Neville who has a contract with Valencia until the end
of the current season.
Valencia coach stands in front of new challenges with
"bats" the tie with Rapid in UEFA Europa League which they won it 10-0
on aggregate, restore peace in the dressing room of "El Che." The
pressure on the back of Neville is reduced and he can calmly continue his work.
- I do not want to use phrases like a turning point, but the
fact is that the tie with Rapid showed that we can play good, nice and
efficient football. Rapid is not at all weak team, but we played two perfect
games. I think that whoever our opponent was, with what we showed in these
matches it won`t be easy for them - considered Neville.
Control of the game by adding breadth and rapid penetration
towards the goal is the football philosophy of the Englishman, slightly sporty from
tradiotional type of football that we are accustomed to see on the island.
- Im seeking for calm game, technical football without hasty
pass, penetration and quick transformation in the space. We work hard on it,
the begining wasn`t easy, but after a few months working, things came into
place. Victories came and we are enjoying football game again- pointed Neville.
Despite expensive team that Valencia has (in summer invested
over 100 million euros), Neville turns attention to young players of
"bats" who through matches in the Europa League showed their
potential.
- Since my arrival I told my aim will be to promote young
players. Academy of Valencia has a huge potential, some young players got a
chance, it is important to show that we believe in them and through these matches
can build their character. I remember as a young player when i debuted in
Europe against Gothenburg and Fenerbahce, those matches were a huge boost for
me to continue to train hard - noted Neville.
After a series of four wins in a row in Spain and Europe,
the team of Neville returned tranquility, but start on the bench of Valencia
was not so pinky for the Englishman. Valencia have suffered defeat in the first
eight games as a cup came heavy defeat from Barcelona 7-0 in the Spanish Cup.
- I felt bad, indescribably bad. Catastrophic. But i didn`t
let the moment to pull me down. I was always a man who was standing on the
ground. I do not get carried away in victories, but neither depressed after
defeats. I said then, the team has the potential to go over from this crisis
and I believe in them. The same can repeat now that this team has the capacity
for great achievements. - Neville pointed out.
Spanish journalist followed game in Vienna with big interest.
Series of victories have restore faith in Neville's capacity to lead the team
that won the 2004 UEFA Cup.
- It was impossible, eight matches without a win, so it
happened never to Valencia. All thought then, what the Englishmanis doing here.
Especially after that defeat by Barcelona. But he came up, we are now on the
other side, these victories returned smiles in the club and according to the
latest information we expect the owner of the club to extend his contract -said
Spanish journalists.
Barisic for Valencia
After a successful performance in the group stage 5 wins in
6 games, Rapid Vienna had suffered two heavy and with 10-0 they have to farewell
from League Europe. Coach Zoran Barisic sees Valencia as one of the possible
winners in this Cup edition.
- We had a successful European campaign. We must admitted
that Valencia has a better class than us. It is a team with a championship
pedigree and expect them to go far in this tournament -pointed Barisic after
the match with Valencia.
