Gary Neville has strongly criticized Chelsea’s Cole Palmer for his post-match behavior with Pep Guardiola following the Blues’ 3-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.
Palmer, who transferred to Chelsea from City in a £42.5 million move in September 2023, was caught on camera laughing and having a friendly chat with his former manager on the pitch after the final whistle.
The 21-year-old midfielder’s interaction with Guardiola did not sit well with Neville, who voiced his displeasure during a Sky Sports broadcast, emphasizing that it was inappropriate behavior given Chelsea’s underwhelming performance and the fans’ expectations.
“[Palmer] didn’t do enough out on that pitch in the second half,” Neville remarked, addressing the player’s performance.
“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,” Neville added.
The match marked Palmer’s second return to the Etihad Stadium since his departure from Manchester City, but Neville was quick to interpret Guardiola’s actions as a deliberate tactic.
“Pep Guardiola does that—he’s playing you,” Neville said, pointing out the perceived psychological aspect of the interaction. “Cole, you’re being played. I know Pep managed him here, but he didn’t play him regularly, and he sold him.”
The former Manchester United defender also highlighted how Guardiola’s move could be seen as a power play meant to maintain dominance over his former player.
“This is a power move from Guardiola, and it shouldn’t have happened on the pitch,” Neville concluded, expressing frustration that Palmer allowed himself to be drawn into the situation so publicly.
Palmer’s actions have since sparked debate among fans and pundits, with many questioning the young player’s decision to engage with Guardiola in such a manner immediately after a loss that left Chelsea’s supporters disappointed.