Danny Murphy believes Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was simply trying to protect Filip Jorgensen when he declared the keeper had been told he would be replaced if he kicked the ball long against Southampton.
Jorgensen, whose stoppage-time error led to the Blues losing at Aston Villa in their previous match, kept his place against the Saints.
Chelsea won 4-0 at Stamford Bridge but there was plenty of tension in the crowd, especially during a tricky first half.
There was frustration at Jorgensen and his defenders for trying to play the ball out of defence.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, head coach Maresca said: “My message to Filip was ‘If you play long balls, I will change you.’ He was just doing what I said to him.
“It’s difficult for Filip, and it’s difficult for Robert (Sanchez) too. All the keepers, they are just following the plan.”
Murphy isn’t convinced by that – insisting it would be “ludicrous” for a manager to tell a player such a thing.
Speaking on Talksport, the former Fulham midfielder said: “He’s trying to pressure off him, so he takes the heat off him.
“It’s a ridiculous notion, really. They’re a young side so they need guidance, but you can’t tell the keeper he can’t go long. That would be ludicrous.
“But I don’t think he means it. He’s trying to protect him.”