Gary Neville Regrets ‘Billion Pound Bottle Jobs’ Jibe at Chelsea and Harsh Criticism of David Luiz and Loris Karius
Gary Neville has publicly expressed regret for his past harsh criticisms of Chelsea and two former Premier League players, admitting that some of his comments crossed the line.
Regret Over ‘Billion Pound Bottle Jobs’
The former Manchester United defender had labeled Chelsea as “billion pound bottle jobs” after their Carabao Cup final loss to Liverpool under Mauricio Pochettino. The match saw Chelsea fail to capitalize on key opportunities before losing to a late goal from Virgil van Dijk.
Reflecting on his remarks, Neville acknowledged on the Stick to Football podcast:
“They’re harsh lines that stain a group of players or a manager… It’s a cheap shot really. It’s that line of humour meets cheap shot.”
Chelsea’s fortunes have since improved under Enzo Maresca, who replaced Pochettino in the summer. The Blues are now just two points behind league leaders Liverpool, with Neville admitting that his earlier comments were unfair.
Apologies to David Luiz and Loris Karius
Neville also apologized for specific comments about former Chelsea and Arsenal defender David Luiz, and ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius.
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David Luiz
Neville had described Luiz as playing “like he is being controlled by a 10-year-old on a PlayStation,” a comment he now admits was unnecessary.
“David Luiz has never got rid of that. It’s a cheap shot… I wish I had not said the PlayStation line.”
Loris Karius
Karius was another target of Neville’s harsh analysis, with the pundit once claiming Liverpool could “never win the league” with Karius in goal. This criticism gained notoriety after Karius’ errors in Liverpool’s 2018 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid.
Neville recounted an awkward encounter with Karius in an Italian hotel gym, where he expected a confrontation but was met with politeness:
“He could have done many things… but he said, ‘Nice to see you.’ I felt guilty bumping into someone I’ve given a harsh line to.”
Changing Approach to Criticism
Neville highlighted that his experiences have shifted his perspective on personal criticism of players, admitting his past remarks lacked empathy:
“It’s a lesson learned. When you personalize criticism, it can stick with someone for a long time.”
This more reflective approach underscores a broader shift in Neville’s punditry, as he balances his forthright analysis with a recognition of its potential impact on players’ careers and mental health.
Gary Neville Regrets ‘Billion Pound Bottle Jobs’ Jibe at Chelsea and Harsh Criticism of David Luiz and Loris Karius