I'm almost happy to see Neville struggle at Valencia - Crespo

Former Argentina striker Hernan Crespo has admitted he is somewhat relishing the recent woes of Gary Neville, believing the under-fire Valencia manager is learning that life in the hotseat is very different to the television studios.


Neville is yet to record a La Liga win since taking over from Nuno Espirito Santo on December 2, and has the daunting prospect of facing Barcelona in the second leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-finals on Wednesday having lost 7-0 at the Nou Camp last week.

The most recent setback away to Real Betis led to the former Sky TV pundit admitting 'the obituaries have already been written', and former Chelsea striker Crespo has little sympathy for him.

'To watch a game from the TV, it's very different than from the bench,' Crespo told FOX Sports.

'I'm almost happy for Gary Neville's troubles at Valencia. I remember he was too harsh as a TV pundit.'

Crespo does maintain, however, that Neville ought to be given time to turn things around at the Mestalla, believing the 40-year-old is still the right man to take the club forward despite its precarious position, four points above the relegation zone.