“It’s not fair”: Mauricio Pochettino hits back at Gary Neville’s “billion pound bottle jobs” comment about Chelsea
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino refused to think about Gary Neville’s criticism of The Blues’ poor run this season. The former England full-back once criticized Chelsea’s inability to compete at the highest level, labelling them with a ‘blue billion-pound bottle job’, referring to Chelsea’s big spending that have not quite clicked the pitch.
Neville said this after Chelsea lost to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. He pictured how The Reds’ young squad could keep up with The Blues’ experienced players. Pochettino however, did not think too much about it.
“I didn’t hear what he said but if you compare the age of the two groups, I think it’s similar,” Poch said in a post-match interview. “I have a good relationship with Gary [Neville]. I can respect his opinion.”
Mauricio Pochettino hits back at Man United legend
Pochettino felt that the age concern is not an issue, saying that Chelsea as well, also played with some young players in their squad. “We made a few changes, like [Conor] Gallagher and [Ben] Chilwell in extra-time. But it’s true, we didn’t keep the energy how we finished the second-half.
“For sure I feel proud. They made a big effort. We have a young team, and nothing to compare with Liverpool because they finished with young players on the pitch.
Chelsea still have one tournament to win, the FA Cup. The Blues secured the semifinal spot after beating Newcastle United through the penalty shootout. Pochettino has not lost faith in his young players despite their results overall.
“It’s not fair to talk in this way, if he said that,” he insisted. “We’re going to keep being strong and believing in this project. I hope we can win and go through to the final. That’s our objective. I am not going there and thinking that [about Gary Neville’s Carabao Cup final comments as point to prove.”