Former Manchester United star Gary Neville launched a scathing critique of Chelsea’s Cole Palmer following the Blues’ 3-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday in the Premier League.
Cameras caught a friendly exchange between Palmer and his former coach, Pep Guardiola, on the Etihad pitch after the match. The sight of Palmer smiling and chatting with Guardiola didn’t sit well with Neville, who expressed his frustration on his podcast.
What Did Neville Say?
Neville didn’t hold back, saying:
On Palmer’s performance
“Cole, you’re being manipulated here. You didn’t do enough on the pitch in the second half. He’s a brilliant, exceptional player, but those 3,000-4,000 Chelsea fans who traveled to the Etihad today wanted more from him. They don’t want to see him smiling and chatting with the opposing coach after a disappointing loss.”
On Guardiola’s role
“I’m not nitpicking here, but there was something about that interaction. Guardiola is manipulating you. He had you, didn’t play you much, then sold you. If you want to have a conversation, do it inside, not out on the pitch. It just didn’t feel right from Palmer’s perspective.”
On his own expectations
“I don’t question why Guardiola did it—that’s what Guardiola does. But if I were in Palmer’s shoes, after losing 3-1 away and putting in a disappointing second-half performance, I wouldn’t be smiling and chatting like that. I expected more from Cole Palmer.”
Context
Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer, was seen as a standout performer in the first half of the match but failed to make an impact in the second half. Neville’s criticism appears to stem from the perceived lack of urgency and professionalism following the game.
While Guardiola’s rapport with Palmer reflects their past relationship, Neville’s comments highlight the delicate balance young players must strike between maintaining professional decorum and personal connections.
