NEWS. . . BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Paul Merson says Chelsea want to be in two positions this summer to “start closing the gap” with Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.
Despite their most productive stage of the season, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are still in seventh place in the Premier League: thirteen away places in the Champions League and 29 places at the top, Arsenal.
Elsewhere in the season, it gave the impression that Pochettino’s task was seriously in jeopardy, however, the Blues’ recent form, as well as two productive cup runs, gave Chelsea enthusiasts hope ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
Merson insists Chelsea have a long way to go to compete with Premier League contenders Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool, and says the end of the Champions League will be the target for next season.
But he says Pochettino will want even more in the transfer market and has suggested Chelsea sign an “experienced centre-back” to update outgoing Thiago Silva and a new striker.
“Chelsea haven’t been consistent enough,” Merson told Sky Sports. “They’ve been smart in the cups; That’s what happens when you’re a young team.
“At the moment they are playing a fair game and they are in the middle of a race for Europe.
“For me, they have to get in: they’ve reached a final, they’ve been unlucky in both, and it might still not turn out to be a bad season.
“But they’re going to have to go in and buy players, and not go back and think they’ve done things right from the start. No, they didn’t. They are miles away from Manchester City and Arsenal. You have to have a global vision. “
“They’ve got to have fun this summer. It turns out that Thiago Silva is leaving, he’s their funniest player.
“So they have to get on with it, you want it if you want consistency when things are going too well, and they can just calm things down a little bit.
“They probably want an experienced centre-back to take Silva’s place, and maybe they want a centre-forward as well.
“They want to qualify for the Champions League next year. That’s why they want to start the final matchday with Arsenal and Man City.
“This is Chelsea, not a team. Chelsea are used to winning things, they need to win things, not finish fourth in the league as Tottenham intended, and celebrate.
“I don’t see how Poch won’t be in the rankings next season, even if nothing surprises you. I didn’t think they’d ever have to get rid of him, he’s a smart manager.
“Individuals don’t gain anything, and as long as they can continue to solve this challenge and continue to play as a team, everything will be fine. “
Chelsea, who beat London rival West Ham 5-0 at the weekend, conclude their Premier League crusade with Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Bournemouth.
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