Fri Feb 18, 2022 7:22 am
Warnock still not forgiven Azpilicueta
Neil Warnock has admitted his scathing criticism of Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta was clouded by "bitterness" following the defender's role in a crucial Cardiff City defeat in 2019.
Azpilicueta scored an offside equaliser before Chelsea went on to beat the Bluebirds 2-1, preceding Cardiff's relegation from the top flight.
Earlier this week, Warnock said of the Spaniard on talkSPORT: "I think Azpilicueta has been a very fortunate lad to be at a club like Chelsea. I don't think he is a great defender.
"Sometimes in football you need a bit of luck and I think he's had a bit of luck at the right time and in the right place. That's what you need in football, you need a bit of luck to be successful."
It caused quite the uproar from fans and players alike, but Warnock did not back down from the comments on Thursday.
He did, however, concede Azpilicueta was an "excellent wing-back", but confirmed his comments came due to a lingering anger over that infamous decision in 2019.
Warnock explained: "I think he's an excellent wing-back, I'm not sure he's a top-class defender.
"Listen, I don't forgive him for being offside for that goal at Cardiff, that's what it is… it'll be the bitterness underneath."