Gary Neville has revealed his tactics to contain the threat of his former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo during his spell as Valencia manager.
Neville endured a dismal spell in charge of the La Liga side - his first venture into senior club management.
One shining light for the former defender was the result against Real Madrid at the Mestalla.
Valencia picked up a 2-2 draw against their rivals and Neville revealed he purposely let the grass grow long in order to slow down Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
Neville revealed the Portuguese fumed over the state of the field before the game was played but he had no intention of meeting his demands.
He told Sky Sports’ Off Script podcast : “The 2-2 draw with Real Madrid where we almost won it late on was an incredible night.
“Rafa Benitez was Madrid manager and that was his last game before he got sacked.
“What I remember most about that game was our tactic of leaving the grass really long and we didn't water the pitch so the ball wouldn't travel as quick in the hope of slowing down Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
"It was like a farmer's field.
“Cristiano came over to me before the game and said 'it's a disgrace, cut the pitch' - I said 'absolutely no chance'.
“There was no way he was dribbling that night.”
