By Liberty Nicholson-Hulse
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has heavily criticised Chelsea’s ownership and decision-making after the club sacked head coach Liam Rosenior, claiming “the owners don’t have a clue what they’re doing”.
Chelsea parted company with Rosenior on Wednesday evening, less than 24 hours after a 3-0 defeat to Brighton.
The loss marked Chelsea’s seventh defeat in their last eight matches, leaving them increasingly unlikely to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Neville reacts to Rosenior exit
Speaking on Sky Sports, pundit Neville admitted the decision itself was expected, but questioned the timing.
“I’m not shocked Liam’s leaving the club,” he said. “I’m shocked he’s leaving today. I thought it would probably happen at the end of the season.
“I thought they would persevere until the end of the season after giving him a six-year deal.”
Rosenior signed a six-year deal after joining from Strasbourg, who are also owned by BlueCo.
He came under mounting pressure, with fans chanting for his dismissal during and after Tuesday’s defeat.
READ MORE: Chelsea news: Liam Rosenior sacked after series of bad results and performances
Owners criticised after poor run
Neville was clear that responsibility should not fall solely on Rosenior, pointing instead to those running the club.
“It’s not a reflection on Liam at all,” he said. “But it’s time for the owners, sporting directors and players to reflect enormously on their role in what’s happened the last few weeks.
“Their fans will be absolutely disgusted by the way this has gone.”
He was particularly critical of the club’s ownership model, especially their use of long-term contracts and lack of experience at executive level.
“These six-year, eight-year agreements, it’s almost laughable from the start,” Neville said. “The owners don’t have a clue what they’re doing.”
Chelsea’s poor form under Rosenior was underlined by their last five Premier League matches, in which they failed to collect a single point or score a goal.
Doubts over Chelsea’s direction
Rosenior’s exit marks the fifth managerial sacking under BlueCo in less than four years, with the club yet to begin the process of appointing a successor.
Neville also questioned the club’s direction when asked about potential successors.
“Who next for Chelsea? Roy Keane used this description at the weekend – I don’t care. Honestly,” he said.
“Everyone realised Liam would lose his job… but the way it’s happened, it’s just not right.”
Rosenior now leaves Stamford Bridge after a short and difficult spell, with Chelsea facing further uncertainty as they search for stability both on and off the pitch.
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