Conte hits back at 'stupid' Neville, Redknapp over 'anti-football' criticism

An agitated Antonio Conte didn't hold back when asked about scathing criticism from a pair of high-profile football pundits who lampooned Chelsea's negative tactics in Sunday's loss to Manchester City.

Jamie Redknapp branded Chelsea's performance as "anti-football" and a "crime against football," while his Sky Sports colleague and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville accused the Blues of being spectators, "like mannequins."

Conte explained his reasons for avoiding an open style of play - which Manchester City thrived against during decisive wins over Arsenal in recent weeks - and then shifted his focus to Redknapp and Neville, accusing them of being out of their depth when talking about tactics.

"I think in this moment you have to accept every criticism but I am not so stupid to play against Manchester City open and to lose 3-0 or 4-0," the Italian gaffer told reporters, according to James Ducker of The Telegraph.

"If I remember well, a few days ago, Arsenal played twice against them and then you criticise a lot (Arsene) Wenger because they conceded three goals in only 30 minutes.

"I think the pundit has to use their heads to understand when you speak about tactics because I think you must have knowledge to speak about tactics and not only to speak in a stupid way."

Sunday's defeat extended Chelsea's poor run of form, as the defending champion has now lost four of its last five Premier League matches. After 29 fixtures this term, Chelsea sits five points back of Tottenham for the last Champions League spot in the table.