Chelsea problems come from Nemanja Matic sale: Neville

Chelsea’s issues this season can all be traced back to selling Nemanja Matic in the summer, according to Phil Neville.

The Blues were heavily beaten by Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday, and trail the two Manchester clubs in the Premier League.

Their problems are rooted in their personnel, says former Manchester United defender Neville, who feels Chelsea have not properly replaced Matic. 

The Blues were heavily beaten by Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday, losing 3-0

Antonio Conte’s Blues also trail the two Manchester clubs in the Premier League title race

Speaking on BBC 5Live, Neville said:  ‘What’s gone wrong for Chelsea? One word. Matic. It’s as simple as that. The minute they sold Nemanja Matic was a mistake.

‘When you had Matic sat in front of you, alongside Kante, there was protection. Whoever made that decision needs sacking. That is one of the poorest decisions I have ever seen in the Premier League.

‘If you ask any of those Chelsea players who they would want back, they would say Matic. Chelsea replaced him with someone who is going to do the same job –  Bakayoko is not that player, he is not a holding midfield player.

‘They didn’t replace Matic. I wouldn’t have let him out of the building, I would have chained him to the training ground walls.’

Chelsea’s problems are rooted in their personnel, says ex-Manchester United defender Neville

Matic was sold to United in the summer, and has been a crucial figure in midfield for Jose Mourinho’s side. 

He was key to Chelsea’s Premier League title win last season, but was nevertheless allowed to leave by manager Antonio Conte.

Replacement Tiemoue Bakayoko lined up alongside Cesc Fabregas in Rome, where the Serie A side ran out 3-0 winners.