Gary Neville asks for patience after Valencia's defeat at Real Sociedad

Valencia head coach Gary Neville has asked the fans for patience after watching his side stumble to a 2-0 reverse at Real Sociedad.

Appointed last month to replace the sacked Nuno, Neville has presided over three draws and two defeats in La Liga, as well as seeing Valencia eliminated from the Champions League thanks to a 2-0 defeat by Lyon.

Neville says he wanted the Valencia supporters to understand what the team was trying to do and continue supporting the players while admitting they had squandered possession to the Basque club far too often.

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"Everyone in the dressing room is disappointed, myself more than anyone, but tomorrow everything starts again," the former Manchester United and England defender said. "I can't sit here without saying it's not a blow."

"We lost against Villarreal [last month] but I was happy with our second-half performance.

"Today I can't say that. We played below expectations and we have to start winning regularly."

Neville reiterated that bringing in reinforcements in the January transfer window was not necessarily the answer.

"I want to play with these players so they can improve together," he added.

"It's not that the club doesn't want to spend money. There have been some important signings and my job is to get the players to perform.

"I believe I have some excellent players and I assume responsibility for the defeat."