Behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge as Gary Neville gives tour of Chelsea including ‘magic wardrobe’ and tunnel
GARY NEVILLE gave fans a glimpse behind the curtain at what things are like at Stamford Bridge on a matchday.
The Sky Sports pundit and commentator was in SW6 to watch Chelsea fall to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of champions Manchester City on Sunday.
Neville decided he wanted to give his followers a behind the scenes look at his job ahead of kick off and posted a video of the side of the Bridge that fans don’t get to see to social media.
The former Manchester United man explained that things haven’t changed much at the iconic stadium since his playing days revealing: “This hasn’t changed in 25 or 30 years”.
While other stars popped up in Neville’s video including Micah Richards, Jamie Redknapp and Daniel Sturridge.
Neville took fans down the tunnel and out on to the pitch as well as showing his followers the “magic wardrobe” where players conduct their post-match interviews.
The cramped room off the side of the media lounge is made up of cardboard signage and offers little space for the interviewer and the players.
Neville joked that make-shift signage was a sign of the priorities of money in football, joshing: “Spent £8.9TRILLION on players, but we’re still putting cardboard up”.
The 49-year-old even gave fans a glimpse at the media room where reporters prepare their stories and the managers sit down for their press conferences.
Neville was far more impressed by Chelsea’s media facilities than he was by their efforts on the pitch.
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The vocal pundit took aim at the performances of two Blues stars in particular – Robert Sanchez and Enzo Fernandez.
Neville was left unconvinced by shot-stopper Sanchez’s ability to play out from the back under new boss Enzo Maresca and was concerned about whether the Spaniard would be able to keep his place this season.
Speaking after the match, Neville explained to his Sky Sports podcast that he thinks new arrival Filip Jorgensen will be breathing down the neck of the former Brighton keeper.
He said: “I always fear when a new player is signed – and Jorgensen has come in – because the current player is probably looking over his shoulder a bit.
“He [Sanchez] is probably worried to death and maybe we saw that today because he did look a little nervy.”
While during his commentary of the match he criticised Fernandez for his superficial pressing on Man City’s possession.
He slammed: “Enzo Fernandez presses when he can’t win it a lot.
“He then throws up his arms to his team-mates as if to say ‘where were you?’. He is not kidding anyone.
“I thought Chelsea would take more a few more risks on the ball. But they have been quite basic. The Chelsea midfield are being run ragged.”