Troy Deeney has called on Gary Neville to use his position to help tackle ‘boring’ Premier League matches.
The eight-time title winner hit out at an ‘illness in the game’ following Sunday’s Manchester Derby.
Deeney believes is part of the reason Premier League matches are becoming ‘boring’[/caption]
Sky SportsNeville called out an ‘illness in the game’ following Sunday’s Manchester Derby[/caption]
Neville launched into a passionate rant during his post-match analysis live on Sky Sports.
The former Manchester United defender fumed: “This robotic nature of not leaving our positions, being micro-managed to within an inch of our lives, not having any freedom to take a risk, to go and try to win a football match is becoming an illness in the game.
“It’s a disease in the game.”
However, Deeney has now claimed that commentators and pundits such as Neville are part of the problem.
After being asked if the ex-England man is right, he told Breakfast: “To an extent, he’s right.
“I think he also plays a part in it with his commentary. If people do be a little bit adventurous or don’t defend properly, he’s the first to hammer them.
“So, he has to understand his voice carries a lot of weight as well.
“When people do try things, he’s got to now encourage that through his platform that he has. And don’t just be in this place of everything’s negative because he can moan, can’t he, Gary?
“I do like Gary, but he can moan all day. So, that’s my take on Gary Neville.”
Neville had been on co-commentary for the goalless draw at Old Trafford between United and Manchester City.
GettyNeville apologised for being ‘boring’ on co-commentary during the match[/caption]
He was openly underwhelmed with his own performance, though, even apologising live on air.
During his rant, Neville explained: “I think they all walked off thinking ‘We’re ok here we got away without making a mistake’. That was the sort of type of game. It was really disappointing.
“I apologise for my co-commentary actually. I think I let it get to me. I was boring on there as well, drab as well. Honestly, the whole game.”
His remarks even prompted a reaction from Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese was asked about Neville’s comments during his post-match press conference.
Amorim quipped: “I understand that Gary Neville is critical about everything so I understand that part.”
The smiling United boss was even met with laughter from several reporters to his answer.
As a player, Neville appeared in 13 Manchester Derbies, winning eight and losing just twice.
