Neil Warnock has admitted his scathing criticism of Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta was clouded by 'bitterness' - but the veteran manager still refused to accept he is a 'top class defender'.
The 73-year-old slated Azpilicueta's abilities and claimed he was 'lucky' to have enjoyed such a long and successful career at Stamford Bridge.
Warnock's comments came after the Spaniard completed a clean sweep of every major club honour after Chelsea beat Palmeiras to lift the FIFA Club World Cup last Saturday.
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta came in for scathing criticism from veteran manager Neil Warnock in the wake of the Blues' FIFA Club World Cup triumph last weekend
Azpilicueta's former Blues team-mates John Terry and Cesc Fabregas were among those who hit back at Warnock.