Gary Neville admits his “bottle jobs” jibe at Chelsea was harsh but stands by his claim the Blues froze in the Carabao Cup final.
Sky Sports pundit Neville branded Mauricio Pochettino’s side “blue billion-pound bottle jobs” during Sunday’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to injury-hit Liverpool.
Pochettino has overseen a disappointing campaign since arriving at Stamford Bridge last summer and his expensively-assembled squad were beaten by Virgil van Dijk’s late header.
Chelsea v Liverpool – Carabao Cup – Final – Wembley Stadium
Former Manchester United defender Neville explained the thinking behind his comment when speaking on Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast, saying: “I got progressively angrier during extra time with Chelsea… then I thought, should I say it, is it too strong?
“I was thinking that as I said it, and sometimes when you think that you might think that it’s a reason not to say it, but I felt as though it needed to be said, it’s a harsh line.
“I said that they froze in extra time, there is no doubt that they were playing with fear and froze.
“Bottle doesn’t mean cowardness, they just froze on the day, we froze in games sometimes, in Champions League semi-finals.
“Sometimes you do freeze – Manchester United, the year before they won the Premier League title against Leeds, they bottled the run-in.
“We bottled the run-in, when we were without Roy (Keane) in 1998, against Arsenal – we’ve all bottled run-ins.”
Pochettino reiterated his rejection of Neville’s dig after Chelsea’s battling 3-2 FA Cup win over Leeds on Wednesday night.
“I cannot be angry about that,” he said. “With all my love to Gary, it’s not fair to use this type of word for a team that is so brave, a club that always fights for big things.
“We know that we are brave and that we are working really hard. For us, it’s not an important comment.”
momenhuda
0
hope we this lucky at all time 👌👌👍
I wish but i dont like insult well played loser. we want good game and EFL cup final was good game, Chelsea deserve respect.
momenhuda
0
what is the best being luck and being good; Always word luck means you didn't go through well; but the word good means your good in what you're doing; Yes good plans in football gives good results; But bad ĺuck is always for those who don't know what next and just wait luck.
This is not boring game like one sided. Game was competitive, entertaining.. what we want, Chelsea not deserve insulting like this. Everyone mock Chelsea, Pundit also. Every good final one team win another lose, if game competitive we need to respect both.
momenhuda
0
It’s subjective ain’t it, with the word lucky and unlucky. VVD second half goal were luckily ruled out for Chelsea fans Unluckily ruled out for Liverpool
I mean Chelsea not humiliated in the final, competitive game, why everybody mock Chelsea? Every final one team win another lose, we need to respected both if game competitive.
jaucikpty
1
where were Man U when we were playing final?, at least we were bottled at the fan than being bottle at quarters or even 1/ 8
Rufubulor
0
Liverpool was lucky, Chelsea well played.
It’s subjective ain’t it, with the word lucky and unlucky. VVD second half goal were luckily ruled out for Chelsea fans Unluckily ruled out for Liverpool
Rufubulor
0
Did he say anything about Man Utd crashing out of UCL in group stages?? Not that harsh certainly
Daabelpst
0
Foolish man What’s your concern about our club
Moseseboto
1
Todd Boehley should just appoint the clueless Garry Neville. Allow him to coach 2 preseason games. If he fails, they should ban him from talking raaabissssssh about Chelsea. Pumbafu. 🙄😕😏😏😒
maabiklruz
0
Liverpool was lucky, Chelsea well played.
what is the best being luck and being good; Always word luck means you didn't go through well; but the word good means your good in what you're doing; Yes good plans in football gives good results; But bad ĺuck is always for those who don't know what next and just wait luck.
Dicaeisuz
0
👍 agree, some Coach/Manager is lacking that killer instinct and pass it to is players, Poch is lacking that so far.
yasabdenyz
0
that's why he hated 2days as a coach
Ducacsuyz
0
sack pochettino please
Ducacsuyz
0
pochettino cannot handle chelsea. he should be replaced
Laeaekmr
0
Manchester United also have spent more money but no trophies 😂
Kiwakmnuz
0
Liverpool was lucky, Chelsea well played.
hope we this lucky at all time 👌👌👍
Ogbme
3
So bad that this message is even from Gary Neville who doesn't know anything about coaching and managing a club.
perebi
2
Chelsea club is being built up with mature players but now they want to copy other clubs by buying young players and built up for the future so without having a good coach, it looks difficult
daseiklors
1
Chelsea update download
raebdeuz
0
The fucking Garry Neville should keep quit, is it your money? Why are you so concerned?
momenhuda
1
Liverpool was lucky, Chelsea well played.
princeebako
0
People 😅 I even forgot he was once a coach
He tested the waters and nearly drowned. The football world is driven by amounts these days mostly the EPL. So I understand. The higher your money, the higher the need to deliver.
voabeimos
2
All the Chelsea player's are very good. But the problem is that Clown 🤡 on their beach
Manofpiece
1
How many games did he last in Spain as a coach? 😂
People 😅 I even forgot he was once a coach
VIKINGSB
6
Gary Bigmouth, you was sacked after 28 games as head coach at Valencia, and all you could say was... "when you're unprepared, you get a slap in the face. If you did become a pundit just to castracate Chelsea, you'll get a slap on your face sooner than later cuz you're unprepared. Leave Chelsea to their fate, and face your world!.
princeebako
4
How many games did he last in Spain as a coach? 😂
SimpleSoccerFan
4
Coming from a guy who can't even coach🤔...lasting 28 games😬
truthisbitter
2
That sums up Chelsea very well!!