Gary Neville has insisted that it was his idea to add Pako Ayestaran to the coaching staff at Valencia.

Neville announced at the weekend after finally registering his first league win at the 10th attempt that former Liverpool coach Ayestaran had agreed to assist him at the Mestalla.

It has resulted in suggestions that with this, along with the recent arrival of Jesus Garcia Pitarch as sporting director, Neville's position had been undermined.

However, speaking to reporters ahead of the Europa League clash against Rapid Vienna, Neville stressed that Ayestaran's appointment had been a long time coming.

'I can be absolutely 100% clear that it was my suggestion and my appointment and no-one else's," he said.

"I spoke to Jamie Carragher two weeks ago about Pako. I spoke to the president as far back as Christmas before the sporting director was appointed.

"I'm the head coach of Valencia, I will be the head coach of Valencia for the rest of this season. If I leave, Pako will leave. He's come to be part of my coaching staff."

Ayestaran, 53, had been out of work since he left Mexican side Santos Laguna last year.