Gary Neville has delayed joining up with the England squad for the forthcoming friendly internationals against Germany on 26 March and Holland so he can focus on his day job at Valencia.

His decision comes after Valencia suffered a third consecutive La Liga defeat, this time a 2-0 loss at home to Celta Vigo on Sunday. The result left Neville’s side six points above the relegation zone and frustrated fans at the Mestalla chanting “Neville go now”.

The England assistant coach confirmed last week that he would not be relinquishing his role with Roy Hodgson, but after the defeat to Celta Vigo he conceded that his immediate focus would be on Valencia.

“I have just spoken to Roy Hodgson and am going to stay back in Valencia,” he said. “I feel it’s the right thing to do.”

“Obviously it’s not an ideal situation, in respect to the fact that before I came here I was the assistant coach for the national team of England, with 60 million people, but I understand the two or three million people in Valencia need my attention this week.

“The last thing I want is for people here to say Gary Neville lacks commitment, because it’s not something that’s ever been said about me in my life.

“Obviously I have a dual role, at this moment in time. I’ve been England coach for three and a half years and I’ve loved doing that. These are friendly matches, very important matches for England, but I also have three very important days here coaching the players.

“I said last week I’ve come to love this club and this city and I want to give my all to the club. They deserve nothing less.”

Valencia are currently 14th in the 20-team in La Liga and last week Neville’s side were knocked out of the Europa League by Athletic Bilbao.