“Didn’t Sub Neymar, Messi or Suarez” – Gary Neville Recalls Feeling Dismissed by Luis Enrique After Humiliating Loss 8 Years Ago

Managerial is often a path that soccer player takes after retirement. Yet, former soccer players can find the transition to managerial roles challenging because success is not always guaranteed. Although there were many adversities that Gary Neville faced during his time managing Valencia, nothing came close to the humiliation he suffered at the hands of Luis Enrique’s FC Barcelona, who clinched a 7-0 victory in the opening leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final back in 2016. As if the defeat wasn’t painful enough, the Manchester United legend had even become subject to the Spaniard’s ‘nastiness.’

The Overlap’s latest episode of Sky Bet’s Stick to Football made the revelation. Neville was discussing the challenges he faced while managing Valencia. While facing Ernesto Valverde made him feel like he was ‘miles off,’ the former midfielder was intimidated by Diego Simeone’s ‘mannerisms and energy down the touchline.’ Interestingly, he then jumped to Enrique, having faced him in a competition that was ‘not that important’ to Barcelona. 

While acknowledging that the Spanish boss has what it takes to get PSG ‘over the line,’ Neville opened up about the shocking snub from the former Roma boss. “They’re 4-0, 5-0 up and he didn’t sub off Neymar, Messi, or Suarez and he stood there. At the end of the game, he walked straight past me, ignored me and I thought ‘You F**k,'” revealed Neville. Notably, when questioned why the former Catalan manager didn’t greet him, the pundit revealed what kind of message Enrique might have tried to convey.

“His nastiness, that horribleness, I thought he was almost like saying ‘Go home little boy.'” Enrique ignoring the handshake certainly wouldn’t have sat well with Neville. But that didn’t mean other revered managers did not acknowledge him.

While Luis Enrique humiliated Gary Neville, Rafa Benitez was ‘good’ to the Manchester United legend!

Even though Luis Enrique shockingly failed to appreciate Gary Neville, the Salford City owner was appreciated by then Real Madrid manager, Rafael Benitez. The former Old Trafford star revealed that despite being ‘under pressure’ due to Los Blancos’ poor performances, Benitez took time to catch up with him after the match ended between Madrid and Valencia.  

“After the game, he came and shook my hand. He has obviously been at Valencia and he was actually very good with me. He gave me 4-5 minutes [of his time.]” Indeed, a significant token of respect from Benitez, which certainly remains in the heart of Neville. Unfortunately, the 49-year-old’s managerial career didn’t last long. 

Having been appointed as Valencia boss in December 2015, Neville remained in charge for just 28 games, leaving the role in March 2016. Before his stint in Spain, he took assistant coach positions at Manchester United and then in England. Nevertheless, it certainly remains an unforgettable moment in Gary Neville’s soccer career.