Valencia fans had hoped for the return of the Portuguese boss, as Gary Neville was dismissed after less than four months in charge. This turn of events proved to be a significant moment, as Neville, 49, was being considered for the top position in English football. He recalled receiving a call from Dan Ashworth, who encouraged him to view the opportunity as a stepping stone for a future role with the England national team. Neville acknowledged that his failure in the job was due to a lack of effort, and he realized that it served as a wake-up call that ultimately shaped his work ethic.
One may wonder about other Premier League legends who struggled in management. Neville himself has chosen to avoid coaching and management, preferring his current roles as a co-commentator and pundit. He disclosed that despite obtaining his UEFA B license at the age of 31, he initially declined managerial positions as he was content with his media involvement. His experience at Valencia taught him the importance of learning to say no, as he had accepted certain opportunities at the time, including the one with Peter Lim at Valencia, simply as a favor.
