Gareth Bale has backed Gary Neville to "bounce back" from his dismissal as Valencia head coach.

Neville took on the job - his first in management - last December, but he was only able to guide the team to three victories from 16 La Liga outings prior to his sacking yesterday afternoon.

However, Real Madrid winger Bale is confident that the ex-Manchester United full-back will benefit from his experience at the Mestalla.

"It is obviously difficult coming to Spain anyway and being a manager where you really do have to be vocal and speak the language," the Welshman told reporters.

"It is obviously a difficult situation but I felt given time he's shown how much he knows about football and it is obviously a shame he's been sacked.

"I'm sure he'll bounce back from the experience and it will stand him in good stead for the future."

Neville was Valencia's seventh head coach in the last three-and-a-half seasons.