Gary Neville has hit out at Arsenal manager Nicolas Jover again, claiming he is “exaggerating his importance” with his rants.
Arsenal have enjoyed huge success from corners and free-kicks in recent seasons with Jover credited with bringing a new dimension to Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Gunners benefited from his expertise again last night with Declan Rice’s left corner headed goalwards by Gabriel before beating Spurs striker Dominic Solanke to equalize in the North London derby. Arsenal then won it with Leandro Trossard’s goal to move 4 points clear of Liverpool.
A deflection from Dominic Solanke after Gabriel’s header means Arsenal equalize in the North London derby 🤩
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And while Neville is happy to give Jover credit for his work, the former Manchester United and England full-back believes he needs to rein in his exuberance.
Speaking to Stick to Football, Neville said: “I called him the most annoying man in football. Do you know something? I consolidate my position, I double down.
“He insults me every week. I will say it very calmly, I think it exceeds its importance.
“If a goalkeeper makes a good save, I don’t see the goalkeeper coach on the sideline. I don’t see the other coaches stepping up and taking credit for it.
“The coach is in front, he cannot communicate from 50 meters away with players who know what they are doing. I think it overstates its importance, I honestly do.
“I see goalkeeping coaches and great coaches working on other aspects of the game, I don’t see them pointing to themselves and overstating their importance.
“That’s how I feel. I understand he’s important and he’s doing great work, but I honestly think he needs to take a back seat. I think players will start looking at him as well and thinking, “Wait a minute, come on.”
Wright says Neville was tough
Neville’s co-hosts had differing opinions on this view with Jamie Carragher admitting he “can’t argue with that”, while former Arsenal striker Ian Wright felt he was “very, very harsh”.
Gabriel also scored the winner as Arsenal won the reverse fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September, after which Arteta hailed Jover’s work.
Asked if Jover was the best in his field, he said: “In his field, in other fields and as a person. And the relationship we have – that’s why I made the decision to bring him to (Manchester) City when I was there and then to Arsenal.
“He and the rest of the staff have instilled the belief in the players that there are many ways to win football games. This is very powerful and has given us a lot. So a big compliment to all of them.”
