Cole Palmer accused of ‘being played’ by Pep Guardiola as Gary Neville reacts

After Chelsea’s 3-1 loss to Manchester City, Cole Palmer faced criticism for his apparent jovial interaction with Pep Guardiola, his former manager at City. The moment sparked anger from Gary Neville, who suggested that Palmer was “being played” by Guardiola, particularly in the context of the tough defeat.

Neville’s comments reflect the frustration some feel about Palmer’s performance and demeanor after a disappointing result for Chelsea. The exchange between Palmer and Guardiola, where they were seen chatting and laughing, struck a nerve with some fans and pundits, who felt it was inappropriate given the nature of the loss.

Palmer’s move from City to Chelsea has drawn attention, and the scrutiny of his actions in the aftermath of the match highlights the pressure on the young player to perform and live up to the expectations surrounding his transfer. It remains to be seen how he will respond to this kind of criticism and whether it will affect his relationship with Chelsea fans and staff moving forward.