Valencia left-back Jose Luis Gaya insists the club’s squad is relishing the chance to work under new manager Gary Neville after he took charge on Monday.

The former Manchester United right-back took over at the Spanish outfit last week and officially took his first training session this week.

More than 3,000 of the club’s fans attended as Neville prepares for his first game in charge against Lyon on Wednesday night.

Valencia need to beat their French opponents in their Group G clash and hope Gent do not beat Zenit St Petersburg in the other clash in the same group.

Neville will also be hoping to help his side climb the La Liga table and Gaya insists the first training session with the 40-year-old has left the players excited for the future.

“We are full of excitement and desire to get things going with him,” he said. “The past is past and a new era is beginning. He wants the team to be compact, hard-working and supportive of each other and Valencia to be a tough opponent.

“We have to be able to have a chance of keeping the ball as otherwise it would be impossible. Let’s see what idea the boss has and we will follow it to the death.”

Los Che are the heavy favourites to win on Wednesday night at 1.44, with the draw 4.50, while Lyon are available at 7.50.