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Gary Neville

VALENCIA boss Gary Neville says his team must beat Espanyol on Saturday to stop an alarming slide down the La Liga table and ease the pressure on himself.

The former Manchester United captain has yet to secure a league win since taking on his first managerial job.

His team have gone from the fringes of Champions League qualification to 14th, just four points above the drop zone.

“We have to win this match on Saturday,” said Neville. “That’s the pressure I’m putting on myself.”

Valencia have lost four and drawn five league games under Neville, who was appointed at the start of December.

They were also crushed 7-0 by Barcelona in the Copa del Rey last week and must face Lionel Messi and co again in the second leg of their semi-final at the Mestalla today.

But Neville, who was urged to quit by former Valencia captain Santiago Canizares after the loss to Barcelona, is already looking ahead.

When asked about the prospect of relegation, the former England international responded: “I’m not even considering that.

“I know the situation we’re in. I’m desperate to turn these results around. I will turn these results around.” — BBC Sport