Valencia legend wants Neville to resign and apologise

Rob Conlon
Gary Neville: Sacked as Valencia boss after poor spell

Santiago Canizares says Gary Neville should apologise to supporters and resign as manager after Valencia were thumped 7-0 by Barcelona.

Manchester United legend Neville described the result as “one of his worst experiences” in football, but insists he will not quit.

However, former Valencia goalkeeper Canizares, who made over 400 appearances for the club, is unhappy with the 40-year-old’s stance.

“I expected the coach’s resignation, as well as some apologies. I may be ignorant, but I’m surprised he hasn’t. I thought he was honest,” he said.

Valencia have won only once since Neville was appointed in December – a 3-0 victory at Granada in the Copa Del Rey.

The club’s sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch refused to criticise his manager, although he conceded it was “one of the worst results in our history”.

And Canizares, who won two league titles and two cups with the club, is equally angry at Pitarch.

“If Garcia Pitarch trusts in Gary as he said on Monday, I’m disappointed. If it’s not like that, why did he say that?” he said.

“If (Garcia Pitarch) lied to us, and tomorrow he proposes the sacking of the coach and it’s not accepted, it’s best if (Garcia Pitarch) leaves as well.

“Worse than the loss, is giving up in the fight. We are facing a test of fire. To demand decisions is responsible, to give up isn’t.”