Manchester United legend Gary Neville has launched a scathing attack on Chelsea’s board, blaming them for the club’s struggles rather than Enzo Maresca, after their 3-0 defeat to Brighton.

The Blues suffered back-to-back losses against the Seagulls in just six days, following their FA Cup exit. The latest defeat at the Amex Stadium has seen Chelsea slump to sixth place, 14 points behind league leaders Liverpool, who still have a game in hand.

However, Neville insists that Maresca should not be held responsible for Chelsea’s problems. Instead, he criticised Todd Boehly and the club’s recruitment team for failing to address key positions despite spending over £1 billion on transfers.

“The pressure should be on the people who are recruiting the players,” Neville said. “To leave out of a billion pound (project), positions like centre forward and a goalkeeper is unforgivable.”

He further defended Maresca, arguing that Chelsea’s squad lacks the essentials needed to compete at the highest level.

“The pressure should not be on the coach at all,” he added. “It’s very difficult to play football without a centre forward and goalkeeper.”

Neville’s latest comments echo his “billion-pound bottle jobs” remark from last season, when Chelsea lost the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool’s academy-heavy squad.

With Chelsea’s attacking and goalkeeping issues continuing to haunt them, Neville’s criticism highlights growing concerns over the club’s long-term strategy under Boehly’s ownership.