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Portland Timbers head coach Phil Neville expressed his frustration after a heartbreaking 3–2 defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps, yet insists he remains the right person to lead the club despite a disappointing run of results.
Having already suffered a 4–1 home thrashing against Vancouver earlier this campaign, the Timbers appeared set for a road victory while leading 2–1 in the 90th minute on Saturday night, only for a handball decision against Antony to trigger an equalizer from Thomas Müller, followed by a dramatic winner from Sebastian Berhalter.
The defeat dropped Portland to 14th place in the 15-team Western Conference through six matches, with a record of one victory, one draw, and four defeats, accumulating just four points. Despite this, Neville projected confidence.
"Who's calling for my head? The fans?" he shot back at a reporter when questioned about his job security after the game. "I work for a club that has the best supporters in the business ... as long as they're criticizing me, I'm fine. If they're getting behind the players, even better."
"I have enormous confidence in this group of players and the work we're putting in; we just need to stay level-headed. The outside noise will only push us to improve."
Thomas Müller from the spot!@WhitecapsFC are level with five minutes of stoppage time to go. 👀 pic.twitter.com/cA8oJFK3bo
Neville previously managed the England women's national team at BC Place — the very same venue as Saturday's match — where he guided his squad to a quarterfinal victory over host nation Canada at the 2015 Women's World Cup.
However, his tenure with the Timbers has proven far less successful, compiling a record of 31 wins, 23 draws, and 33 losses across all competitions since taking charge in 2023.
"No," said Timbers and New Zealand international defender Finn Surman, when asked about the mounting pressure surrounding Neville's position. "I don't think that's an appropriate question, and I don't think that's something that needs to happen. It's on us as players ... we know within the dressing room that we haven't been good enough."
Timbers Feeling Unlucky, Looking ahead
While both Surman and Neville dismissed the idea that a managerial change was the answer, the Timbers' frustration was plain to see, especially regarding the crucial late handball ruling, which Neville viewed as just the latest in a string of questionable calls against his team.
"We've had four or five decisions this season that we believe have been really poor, but PRO (Professional Referees Organization) will pat themselves on the back, head home satisfied, and sign their autographs," Neville said. "We're just going to keep pushing forward."
Now reeling from a second Cascadia Cup loss, Portland turns its attention to a home clash against high-flying LAFC next week, with the Timbers aiming to become the first MLS side to find the net and take all three points against the Black and Gold in regular season play.