Gary Neville is never one to hold back, and his recent commentary on Sky Sports proves just that. In a series of scathing assessments, the former Manchester United captain took aim at Liverpool’s front line, their tactical shortcomings under Arne Slot, and even addressed wider issues beyond football.
Here’s a full breakdown of what Gary Neville said on Sky Sports, and why it matters.
Why Did Gary Neville Call Liverpool’s Attack ‘Useless’ on Sky Sports?
Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge marked their third consecutive loss. While Cody Gakpo found the net to level the match, Estevao’s injury-time winner sealed Liverpool’s fate.
Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, Neville said:
“Their creative players, the midfield players and the forwards, were absolutely useless.”
He criticised the team’s lack of urgency, especially when Chelsea’s defence was weakened due to injuries. According to Neville, this was a golden opportunity for Liverpool to press and take control, but they simply didn’t show up in the final third.
Salah, despite his reputation, was singled out for poor decision-making and finishing. Gakpo was labelled wasteful, and young substitute Florian Wirtz was described as “immature” and tactically unaware.
What Did Neville Say about Liverpool’s Midfield and Defence?
While Liverpool’s front line drew most of his ire, Neville also raised serious concerns about the midfield’s inability to control the game. He highlighted the disconnect between midfield and attack, especially during the final stages.
Defensively, left-back Milos Kerkez came under heavy scrutiny.
“He looks like he’s playing for the U21s… naïve and losing 50-50s.”
Neville also pointed to issues at full-back, questioning Jeremie Frimpong’s suitability as a right-back and raising doubts about Conor Bradley and Andy Robertson’s recent form. He concluded that Liverpool’s defensive issues, especially out wide, are just as problematic as their attacking problems.
How Did Gary Neville Analyse Arne Slot’s Performance So Far?
Neville didn’t directly criticise Slot’s managerial style, but his comments strongly implied that the team lacks cohesion. The summer transfer activity, combined with limited training time, seems to have disrupted the flow.
Slot himself admitted:
“There has hardly been any training time… we need to try to bring these players in.”
Neville’s takeaway was simple: Liverpool are underperforming in key areas, and while the manager has talent at his disposal, it’s not coming together yet.
What Are Jamie Redknapp’s Thoughts on Liverpool’s Balance?
Joining the analysis, Jamie Redknapp echoed Neville’s concerns but focused more on team balance. He noted that last season, Liverpool had a stable back four and a clear midfield structure. That clarity seems to have vanished.
One of the biggest changes was the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left for Real Madrid. Redknapp said:
“They’re missing Trent… the right-back position has been unsettled since the Burnley game.”
Redknapp believes these shifts have disrupted Liverpool’s rhythm, turning their once structured system into an end-to-end gamble.
What Did Gary Neville Say About Manchester United and Ruben Amorim?
Switching to Manchester United, Neville addressed their 2-0 win over Sunderland. Despite the result, he was adamant that manager Ruben Amorim is not off the hook.
“It was a must-win game, but it doesn’t let him off… the record’s too poor.”
He also responded to Amorim’s claims that media criticism was affecting the players. Neville disagreed strongly:
“If pundits are getting in your head, you shouldn’t be playing for Manchester United.”
He emphasised accountability and warned against adopting a victim mentality — stating that true professionals focus on their performance, not external noise.
Why Did Gary Neville Remove a Union Jack Flag From His Development Site?
In a video message, Neville revealed that he had removed a Union Jack flag from one of his Manchester development sites, claiming it was being used “in a negative fashion.”
This followed a deadly attack at a Manchester synagogue, which sparked reflection on national identity and division. Neville said he saw the flag being used to symbolise exclusion rather than unity and called for a more compassionate form of patriotism.
“I’ve played for my country 85 times… I love England. But we need to check ourselves.”
What Are the Broader Social and Political Views Neville Shared?
Neville didn’t stop at football. He also addressed societal division, blaming political rhetoric and events like Brexit for fostering disunity.
He reflected on the multicultural nature of his footballing days:
“We were a beautiful team, united as one.”
He criticised those spreading hate, urging the public to reject divisive messages and return to a sense of national unity. Neville’s plea was simple: bring back a country of peace, love, and harmony.
What Does This Mean for Liverpool and the Premier League Title Race?
Liverpool’s recent form has allowed Arsenal to move to the top of the table, and Neville believes the title race is wide open.
“We’ve got a title race on… Arsenal have had a great week, Liverpool a poor one.”
While he still believes in Liverpool’s squad quality and Arne Slot’s leadership, Neville warned that improvements are urgently needed, particularly in the final third and at full-back.
Conclusion
Gary Neville’s commentary cuts deep because it’s rooted in years of top-flight experience. Whether criticising Liverpool’s lack of attacking threat, questioning tactical decisions, or reflecting on societal issues, his words carry weight.
Liverpool now face a critical period in their season. With the title race heating up and their defence under the spotlight, Arne Slot and his players have work to do. As always, expect Gary Neville to be right there to call it as he sees it.
FAQs
What podcast did Gary Neville make these comments on?
He made them on The Gary Neville Podcast, which aired after Liverpool’s defeat to Chelsea.
Did Gary Neville praise any Liverpool players?
He briefly praised Salah’s overall class but was critical of his decisions in this match.
What does Neville think of Liverpool’s title hopes?
He believes they still have a chance but are falling behind key rivals.
Has Neville criticised Arne Slot before?
This was one of his strongest critiques of Slot so far, focusing on cohesion and player performance.
How often does Neville comment on social and political issues?
Quite frequently. He uses his platform to speak on nationalism, racism, and workers’ rights.
What is Neville’s relationship with Manchester United like now?
He remains closely tied to the club through his punditry and legacy as a former captain.
Where can I watch the full Gary Neville Podcast episode?
It’s available via Sky Sports’ YouTube channel and other podcast platforms.
