Miguel Angel Angulo has opened up about working as an assistant to Gary Neville at Valencia

Manchester United legend Neville was appointed as manager of the Spanish club in December 2015, despite having never managed before.

Valencia owner Peter Lim called on Neville, friend and co-owner of Salford City, to steer the ship after Nuno Espirito Santo resigned midway through the 2015/16 season.

The Englishman, who couldn't speak Spanish, brought in his brother Phil to join his backroom staff. And needing a local touch, club legend Angulo was appointed as a first-team coach.

To say the spell was disastrous would be an understatement.

Neville would win just three games in four months before he was sacked, leaving the team in 14th on the table.

Angulo, now in charge of Valencia's Juvenil A side, got along with Neville during his short stint and believes the former right-back was not given enough time to succeed, while also conceding the language barrier was a major problem.

He told Tribalfootball.com: "I believe that Gary Neville arrived in Valencia having been a commentator for television.

"I think that he came at a very difficult time because the club was not in a good situation, Nuno had been sacked and the team not been really nurtured when he arrived. I don't think he was given sufficient time with his players.

"Also, not speaking Spanish was a big handicap as there were many Spanish players who did not understand English. He was not really able to transmit his messages at this prejudiced his work. To be successful as a coach, it's a question of determination and persistence.

"I don't know of any manager who has triumphed in their first season. You need a lot more time as a manager for your hard work to come to fruition with your players."