NEV: MIAMI HAS THE BECKS FACTOR
Inter boss Neville hails Goldenballs for his involvement in every aspect of life at the MLS club: ‘He’s everywhere shaking hands and saying hi to the guy on reception, the lady in the kitchen, the chef and every single player’
PHIL NEVILLE says there is no getting away from old pal David Beckham in his new job at Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami.
Global superstar Becks is one of the club’s owners and was instrumental in bringing Neville to the new franchise as head coach.
On Sunday, Miami host the side Beckham played for when he first came over to the States – LA Galaxy.
Neville says Beckham is so hands-on in his new role that he is here, there and everywhere, trying to iron out every last detail at the club’s impressive training facility. Neville (with Beckham outside Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium, left) said: “Where David is concerned, he is an owner who has sheer presence around the place.
“We saw him around the training ground this morning. He didn’t say that much, but he’s shaking everyone’s hand, making sure he watches the USL team train, making sure he says hello to the guy on reception, the lady who works in the kitchen, the chef and every single player.
“That has become part of the norm when he comes into training, four, five, six days a week. He comes into my office for 30 seconds to say, ‘Everything OK? Family OK? Are you settled and do you need any help?’
“It’s as simple as that and the backing and support he has given me – purely by his presence – has been so good.
“The players recognise that and the staff have really felt that as well.”
Neville cannot wait to get started and said: “It’s felt like a long time, what with one thing and another, but it’s game time now and that’s why I took the job.
“We’re going out there to try and get three points and start
the season well. That’s what it’s all about.”
The former Manchester United and England defender (with Beckham in their Old Trafford days, right) is loving life in the US and sees it as his latest new adventure after spending time in Spain at Valencia and coaching the England Lionesses.
He said: “They have all been different. Going to Spain was a massive life change, going to the England women’s team was a massive career change.
“Coming to America,
I’d already experienced a massive life change, so this is actually quite normal.
“Having to get used to the American way of life has been really simple, the Inter Miami people have accepted me with open arms. Living here is the most fabulous experience.” Neville believes the clash with LA Galaxy will go all around the world and says that underlines just how far the game has come on the other side of the Atlantic. “I think this is the biggest game of the weekend in the MLS,” he said. “I know for a fact that it’s being shown in England because my family keep telling me! “David had such great moments with LA Galaxy, so it’s a great match to start with. It’s a massive game and one I look forward to. It’s time to get down to the action.”
Neville reckons the eyes of the world are on the MLS, with a generation of players now coming through the American system because the roots have been put down.
He added: “Outstanding young players are being produced. Big clubs all over the world are looking at the youngsters coming through the colleges and academies.
“I can see this country being so successful on the international stage in the next few years.”