…. Valencia knocked out of Champions League, to play in Europa
Gary Neville’s first game as Valencia manager ended in defeat as the Spanish side lost 2-0 at home to Lyon to go out of the Champions League.
The hosts hit the post early on through defender Mustafi, who then had a goal disallowed for a push in the area.
“We must take defeat on the chin and realise it is unacceptable to lose at Mestalla,” said Neville afterwards.
Joined in the dugout by his brother and assistant manager Phil, Neville was animated on the touchline and said the game could have been different had Mustafi’s early goal been given.
“The players thought it was not a foul,” added Neville, whose side drop into the Europa League. “I used to whinge a lot as a player, but won’t blame referees as a manager unless I feel I have to. Tonight I don’t as Lyon did well.”
First game in management, but Neville ‘didn’t feel stressed at all’
Valencia rallied for their new manager with 11 shots after half-time, but in the end the result was irrelevant as Gent’s win over Zenit St Petersburg ensured the Spanish side would not have qualified even if they had won.
Neville, wearing a suit, stood in his technical area throughout much of his managerial bow but his side were jeered in parts by the home support, who have now seen Los Che win just once in six outings.
“We showed a lot of spirit and fight but didn’t really create enough chances to win the game,” added Neville, who succeeded Nuno Espirito Santo last week.
“I didn’t feel stressed at all. I don’t feel stress now. I’m disappointed.”