Inter Miami owners David Beckham and Jorge Mas have refuted claims that Phil Neville was given the head coach job because of a friendship.
Neville was appointed the new head coach of the club ahead of Miami’s second season, replacing Diego Alonso who was dismissed earlier this month.
The arrival of Neville was no surprise after weeks of speculation, and the move became all-but official when the former Manchester United midfielder walked away from his job as England Women’s manager.
Throughout the course of the process, from the links to his official appointment, there have been claims that Neville has got the job because of his friendship with former teammate and Inter Miami owner Beckham.
But Beckham is having none of it, refuting the claims in Friday’s introductory press conference.
“My relationship with Philip, I have known him since 15, 16 years old, as a kid and I have known what he is like, I knew what he was like as a player and as a human being,” said the former Real Madrid and England superstar.
“I know what his work ethic is like. Him and his brother Gary, I have never seen two players work as hard at their game in my whole career.
“To have someone like that coming to this club – of course, people are going to turn around and say ‘oh, it’s because he is your friend’.
Photo: Inter Miami CF
“It’s nothing to do with him being my friend. I am an owner of the club with Jorge and our ownership group do not employ our friends,
“We employ the best people, whether it is on the field, off the field, our backroom staff, the staff we have in our training facilities., at the stadium.
“We are running a serious, solid club here and we hire people who are best suited to the job.”
Fellow Herons owner Mas then weighed in on the question and did not hold back in his denial of the claim. He added: “Phil Neville was not handed the Inter Miami job. Phil Neville earned the job.
“There was a very thorough interview process with multiple candidates. As you can imagine, the Inter Miami coaching job is an extremely attractive position.
Credit: Inter Miami CF
“The were enquiries of interest from coaches all over the globe and David, as well, did multiple interviews for the job.
“Phil is the right man for the job at this time. The fact he is David’s friend is a reality and we won’t run from that, we embrace it, but he was not given or handed the job because of the fact he is friends with David Beckham or because of his relationship with him.
“He earned this job and I am proud as an owner to have him on board.”
