Report: Phil Neville's future at Valencia doubtful after away trip absence

Speculation is surrounding the future of Valencia's assistant coach Phil Neville after he was not part of the travelling party that flew into Las Palmas on Friday.

Neville's brother Gary was dismissed by Los Che earlier this week, and now the future of Phil is shrouded in doubt after his unforeseen absence from Saturday's trip.

Related: Valencia sacks Gary Neville after sorry start to managerial career

It is believed he is contractually secure at Valencia and that he has fulfilled a valuable role in the coaching staff, but the Guardian's Sid Lowe reports he's unlikely the continue his work in the technical area for matches.

Phil apparently has no intention of leaving Valencia, but the recent events have drawn attention to comments made by Pako Ayestaran - who has assumed interim duties at the 14th-placed La Liga outfit - at his presentation on Thursday.

"We have come to realise that we do not need a large technical staff. It is good to bring together (varied) opinions but we need to pick a path and be clear," he said.

Gary Neville's sacking has already been followed by changes to the ex-Manchester United skipper's backroom staff, with Miguel Angel Angulo shown the exit door after fulfilling a similar assistant role to that of Phil Neville.

Phil was employed at Valencia before his sibling, joining last summer after stints working as No. 2 to David Moyes at Everton, Manchester United, and Real Sociedad. There has been no suggestion from anywhere else at the Mestalla - including from club president Layhoon Chan at Pako's presentation - that Phil's role will change.