So Gary Neville isn't predicting a long spell in management, but things can always change obviously.

We want your thoughts. Will he go on to have a successful managerial career or will it be an Alan Shearer-like footnote in his life?

Let us know your thoughts using #bbceurofooty on Twitter or comment over on our Facebook pages.

Image source, Getty Images

Interestingly, in an interview with his former employers Sky Sports,, external Gary Neville says his long-term future isn't in management.

A bit of a weird comment for a guy who's just been handed a big managerial job, no?

"I'm not going to say where I want to end up, and it isn't in management or head coaching, so I want to be clear about that," he said.  

"That's not my ultimate goal of where I want to be."

Image source, Reuters

An odd story involved James Rodriguez this week. The Colombia attacking midfielder reportedly sped away from police, external who had clocked him at 124mph and later claimed he was afraid they were potential kidnappers rather than police.

"It's a private matter," boss Rafael Benitez said. "He's a good, sensible kid and he's given me his explanation, and there's nothing more to say. We have to wait and see."

Valencia boss Gary Neville has Alvaro Negredo on the bench as the striker is still finding full fitness. Paco Alcacer, with one goal in his last five La Liga games, leads the line up front.

For Real Madrid, it's as you'd expect really. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale are up front. James Rodriguez, after making headlines for the wrong reasons, is on the bench with Mateo Kovacic starting.

Valencia: Domenech, Barragan, Abdennour, Santos, Orban, Parejo, Gomes, Danilo, Cancelo, De Paul, Alcacer. Subs: Ryan, Vezo, Fuego, Piatti, Mina, Rodrigo, Negredo.

Real Madrid: Navas, Danilo, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, Modric, Kroos, Kovacic, Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo. Subs:Casilla, Varane, Nacho, Rodriguez, Casemiro, Vazquez, Isco.

Image source, EPA

Gary Neville was a surprise appointment as Valencia manager and, although it's still early days, he's not found the move from the TV studio easy.

His five games have seen a Champions League exit, two points from three La Liga games and a cup win over some minnows.

He could really do with a big win to make a statement and they don't come much bigger than Real Madrid.

Image source, Getty Images

Real Madrid are a strange old club.

They won 10-2 just before Christmas and fans weren't happy.

Fans apparently booed manager Rafael Benitez after Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty on Wednesday in a game they managed to win.

The only way Benitez can attempt to keep the pressure off is to keep on winning - and today he comes up against a manager who has never won a league game as a manager.