RTÉ soccer analyst Didi Hamann has questioned the wisdom of Gary Neville's move to Valencia and feels his friendship with the owner had more to do with him getting the job than his reputation as a coach.
Neville oversaw his first game in charge at the Mestalla on Wednesday night as they exited the Champions League after a 2-0 defeat to Lyon.
Singapore businessman Peter Lim has heavily backed Salford City FC, the Manchester club owned by Neville, his brother Phil, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.
“To take his first job in a foreign country where you don't speak the language, you don't know the club, you don’t know the league ... I think it's a step too far," said Hammann.
"He's been given the job because he's a friend of the owner of Valencia. I don't think he got that job on reputation. It's a completely different ball game. If you're a good pundit it doesn't mean you're a good manager.”
Eamon Dunphy said he admired Neville's ambition and willingness to venture into the unknown, and felt the job was an audition for ultimately taking the reins either with England or Manchester United.
