Neville slams Palmer for laughing with Guardiola after Chelsea’s loss to Man City

 

Gary Neville has taken aim at Chelsea’s Cole Palmer for his post-match interaction with Pep Guardiola following the Blues’ 3-1 defeat to Manchester City.

Palmer, who moved to Chelsea from City in a £42.5 million deal in September 2023, was seen laughing and chatting with his former manager on the pitch after the final whistle.

However, Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, was unimpressed with the display, especially given Chelsea’s disappointing performance.

“[Palmer] didn’t do enough out on that pitch in the second half,” Neville said.

“He’s an amazing player, absolutely brilliant. But those Chelsea fans that traveled here, 3,000 to 4,000 of them, they wanted better than that. They don’t want to see you smiling and joking with the opposition manager after a loss.”

The incident marked Palmer’s second return to the Etihad since his departure, but Neville suggested Guardiola’s post-match interaction with his former player was a calculated move.

“Pep Guardiola does that—he’s playing you,” Neville continued. “Cole, you’re being played. I know Pep managed him here, but he didn’t play him regularly, and he sold him.

“This is a power move from Guardiola, and it shouldn’t have happened on the pitch.”