Neville: Ayestaran on board to assist

Posted Thursday, February 18, 2016 by foxsportsasia.com

Ayestaran returned to Los Che over the weekend for a second stint, having previously been on the club's coaching staff from 2001 to 2004.

Neville has found the going tough since being handed the reins in December, with the 2-1 win over Espanyol on Saturday his first league victory in 10 games at the helm.

The former Manchester United defender did manage to steer the Mediterranean outfit to the Copa del Rey semi-finals, where they were trounced 8-1 by Barcelona over two legs.

And Neville admitted the arrival of Ayestaran will help bridge the communication gap as the Englishman has not speak Spanish.

"I am the coach of Valencia. If I go, Pako leaves too. That he is coming in now does not mean anything," the 40-year-old said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Europa League last-32, first-leg tie against Rapid Vienna on Thursday.

"I came here without anybody - I could have brought some coaches from England, but I didn't want to. After about a fortnight I realised there was a gap.

"I spoke with the president about this at Christmas, and I spoke with [former Liverpool defender] Jamie Carragher about Pako two weeks ago. It was my idea.

"There have been some problems of understanding, but he is not here to take the training sessions. I do that. We just needed another member of the coaching team."

Asked if the language barrier was an issue, he added: "Of course it is, in a certain way. In this press conference we all have to use headphones.

"My rule is that everything is done in Spanish whenever possible - sometimes they [other members of the coaching staff] need to translate what I say.

"I have tried to fit into the Valencian culture - with my family, on and off the field. Pako's arrival will allow us to have more clear communication. This morning he interpreted for a tactical session."