“Cole, You’ve lost your presence. I guess eras do come to an end. You were nowhere to be found on the pitch. The lack of impact you had in the game against Man City just shows that you’re a one time wonder” – This is according to Gary Neville as he Criticizes Cole Palmer Over his performance in the terrible loss against Manchester City.

Manchester United legend and football pundit Gary Neville has launched a scathing critique of Chelsea star Cole Palmer after the young midfielder was seen engaging in a post-match conversation with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. The incident, which occurred following Chelsea’s recent clash with City, has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, with Neville openly questioning Palmer’s judgment in engaging with his former coach.

A Controversial Exchange on the Pitch

After the final whistle at the Etihad Stadium, Palmer was spotted deep in conversation with Guardiola, the man who oversaw his development at Manchester City before allowing him to leave for Chelsea last summer. While post-match discussions between players and coaches are not uncommon, this particular exchange did not sit well with Neville, who interpreted it as a subtle manipulation tactic from Guardiola.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville did not hold back in his criticism of Palmer’s actions. “Cole, you’re being played!” he exclaimed. “This is classic Pep. He lets you go, you move on to a new club, and then he still keeps a connection with you, making you think about what could have been.”

Neville’s Concerns About Guardiola’s Influence

Neville, who has previously praised Guardiola’s tactical brilliance, suggested that the Spaniard’s influence goes beyond just footballing strategy. He implied that Guardiola has a way of maintaining a psychological hold over players even after they have left his club.

“This is how Guardiola operates,” Neville continued. “He’s a master at keeping players engaged, making them feel special, even after they’ve left City. Palmer needs to be careful because these little chats can plant seeds of doubt. Right now, his focus should be on Chelsea, not reminiscing about the past.”

Neville’s remarks have divided opinions among fans. Some agree with his take, believing that Palmer should be solely committed to Chelsea and not entertain discussions with a manager who effectively deemed him surplus to requirements at City. Others, however, see nothing wrong with a player having a cordial exchange with a former mentor.

Palmer’s Growing Influence at Chelsea

Since his move from Manchester City to Chelsea, Palmer has established himself as one of the Blues’ most influential players. The young playmaker has been a bright spark in an otherwise inconsistent season for Chelsea, delivering crucial goals and assists while demonstrating immense technical ability and composure.

Despite his impressive performances, Chelsea’s season has been marred by inconsistency, and Neville believes that Palmer’s focus should be entirely on helping his current club regain stability rather than engaging in conversations with his former manager.

What This Means for Palmer’s Future

While there is no indication that Palmer regrets his move to Chelsea, Neville’s comments have raised an interesting discussion about player mentality and loyalty. Is Guardiola genuinely keeping in touch with a former player, or is there a more strategic element at play?

For now, Palmer remains a key figure in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans at Chelsea. The young Englishman has a crucial role to play in the club’s rebuilding phase, and distractions—intentional or not—could affect his progression.

Whether Neville’s warning holds weight remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Palmer’s performances on the pitch will ultimately define his future, not post-match conversations with his former boss.