Gary Neville: Under-fire Valencia boss declares Espanyol clash as 'must-win'

Gary Neville says Valencia simply have to beat Espanyol on 14 February to end their miserable run of form and turn their season around.

Valencia are yet to win in La Liga in nine matches under Neville and were beaten 1-0 by Real Betis in their latest league fixture on 7 February, leaving the club just four points above the relegation zone.

The Betis loss followed a humiliating 7-0 defeat against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg at the Nou Camp, prompting speculation that the former Manchester United player would be relieved of his duties.

Speaking ahead of the second leg at the Mestalla, Neville said he would rest players for the match in order to prioritise the league game at the weekend.

"I know when we play games like [the last three league performances] it can turn around very quick," the 40-year-old was quoted as saying by the Sun newspaper.

"It has to turn around on Saturday. We have to win this match on Saturday, that's the pressure I'm putting on myself and the expectation of everybody — we have to win on Saturday.

"I'm not even considering [relegation]. I know the situation we're in. I'm desperate to turn these results around. I will turn these results around."

Neville insisted he was still the right man for the job, despite calls from former Valencia players and fans for him to resign.

"I have faith in myself and the players and the only thing to turn this around is to win games. I know you want to ask me about my job, my future, but I just want to focus on football, on tomorrow's game," he was reported as saying by the Guardian.

"Tomorrow we must have a positive mentality, we must put in a huge effort and play and battle. Saturday's game against Espanyol is fundamental.

"That must be taken into account when picking the team. I must prioritise Saturday's game."