Football: Winning, not talking, only way to win over Valencia fans, says under-fire boss Neville

Gary Neville speaks during a press conference at the Sports City in Valencia. PHOTO: AFP

VALENCIA (REUTERS) - Embattled Gary Neville, never shy of an opinion as player or pundit, is tired of listening to his own voice as he tries to arrest Valencia's slide in his increasingly gloomy first foray into management.

Valencia have yet to win a Spanish Primera Liga game since the former Manchester United defender took charge in November and some disgruntled fans have called for the Englishman to be sacked.

A 1-0 reverse against Real Betis on Sunday, extending Valencia's winless league streak to 12, increased the pressure on hime.

"The fans don't want to hear words at this moment in time ... even I'm tired of hearing my own words at the moment," he told a news conference on Tuesday. "I've got full belief in myself, full belief in the players and the only thing we can do to turn this around ... is win football matches."

The 7-0 defeat by Barcelona in the Cup semi-final first leg last week represented a watershed moment for some Valencia fans, who called for Neville to leave and jeered him at the club's training ground.

Neville said that he was working with a "committed" group of players and recent results had not reflected their displays.

"The chances we had to win these games are quite incredible. When those moments change for us in matches, then the confidence will return in full because we now have all our players fit," he insisted.

Valencia host Barca in the Cup second leg on Wednesday and while Neville said their task was "near-on impossible", he wanted his side to show a "positive mentality".

He is likely to make changes as he prioritises Saturday's home league game with lowly Espanyol.

"I want a performance to show the fans we are desperate to turn this around," he said.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.