Pako Ayestaran: ‘I got Gary Neville’s blessing to take over at Valencia’

New Valencia manager Pako Ayestaran has revealed that he only accepted the job after receiving Gary Neville‘s blessing.

Neville saw his first managerial role come to an end after just four months in Spain having steered Los Che to just three wins from his 16 league games in charge.

Ayestaran, who was brought to the club by Neville as assistant manager in February, has taken over for the rest of the season and will now look to stave off the threat of relegation.

“When they offered me the role I had two conditions. The first was that Gary was in agreement, and if Gary hadn’t agreed I wouldn’t be here, because my values come above everything else,” Ayestaran told reporters.

“The second was that I come with my coaching team. The feeling I have at the moment is fantastic. I’m grateful to the club for offering me the chance to lead the project until the end of the season and I will contribute my knowledge, experience, passion, determination and ability to work.

“[Neville] did a huge amount of work and he gave everything for the club, but it wasn’t enough.”

Valencia currently sit just six points clear of the bottom three ahead of Saturday’s match away to fellow strugglers Las Palmas.