‘It’s offending me every week’ – Gary Neville slams Arsenal coach who is ‘overreaching his importance’
GARY NEVILLE has again blasted Arsenal set piece coach Nicolas Jover.
The former Manchester United star previously called Jover the “most annoying man in football”.
Jover, 43, has played a big role in making the Gunners one of the most prolific set piece teams in Europe since joining the club.
He can often be seen perched next to boss Mikel Arteta on the touchline when Arsenal stand over a corner or free kick.
On the latest episode of Stick to Football, Neville again revealed his irritation at Jover.
“I called him the most annoying man in football… I’m cementing my position,” Neville, 49, said.
“I’m doubling down. It’s offending me every week.
“I’m going to say this really calmly, I think he’s overreaching his importance.
“If a goalkeeper makes a save, I don’t see the goalkeeping coach on the edge of the touchline.
“If there’s a good combination of passing in midfield, I don’t see the coach that’s next to Arteta going and getting the glory for it.
“The manager’s at the front, he can’t communicate from 100 yards away, or 50-60 yards away on the touchline to players that know exactly what they’re doing because they’re so methodical on it it’s untrue.
“He stands there… I think he’s overreaching his importance, I genuinely believe that.”
Ian Wright hit back: “He is important.”
To which Neville added: “That’s how I feel. I get he’s important, he’s doing a great job, but I do genuinely think he needs to sit back a little bit.
“I think the players will start to look at him and think, ‘come on’.”
Jamie Carragher then weighed in: “I think he’s (Neville) made a great point to be honest. I can’t disagree with it, I thought it was a bit harsh.
“The Aston Villa one does the same.”
Neville then pointed out that he’s covering Arsenal vs Aston Villa on Saturday evening – joking that Arteta and Unai Emery might as well “sit the f*** down”.