Jamie Carragher identifies the 'big' problem with Chelsea, names three players letting them down
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(Credit:Imago)
Aasif Rahman
Mon 22 September 2025 10:48, UK
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been warned they won’t challenge for the Premier League title this season with three players in particular letting them down.
Chelsea fell to 2-1 loss to Man United at Old Trafford, with the game completely changing after Robert Sanchez’s early red card.
That result leaves the side without a win in three matches, as this comes after their 2-2 draw to Brentford and Bayern Munich defeating Maresca’s side in the Champions League.
Chelsea have been criticised for their performances of late, with many expecting Maresca’s side to kick on and stake a claim in the title race.
But now, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has weighed in on the primary reason why the club have yet to reach that level.
Speaking on Sky Sports [21 September], Carragher spoke on Chelsea’s current issues, slamming the club’s recruitment.
He said: “My big problem with Chelsea is, three and a half years in, the money that’s been spent, you turn up at Old Trafford with the goalkeeper and the centre-backs that you’ve got.
That just can’t win you the league.”
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The Blues had a busy summer transfer window with multiple arrivals and exits, but it appears there was more of a focus on the attack.
Chelsea had signed Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap, whilst also completing a deal for Emanuel Emegha for 2026.
In defence, Jorrel Hato was signed but is expected to act as cover for Marc Cucurella, who remains Maresca’s first-choice left-back.
That has raised the question of whether Chelsea did enough to strengthen the positions in the market that Carragher has highlighted.
Gabby Agbonlahor has also criticised Chelsea after their loss to Bayern Munich, as he also singled out players such as Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah.
Chelsea’s latest resultsWin/Loss/DrawBrentford 2-2 ChelseaDrawBayern Munich 3-1 ChelseaLossMan United 2-1 ChelseaLossChelsea’s last three results
Chelsea decided against signing Mike Maignan in the summer window despite heavy links of a possible move, mainly due to AC Milan’s asking price.
Instead, Sanchez was trusted, and five games into the new season, he has already made a costly mistake after being sent off against United, with scrutiny intensifying about their defence.
Football Insider revealed Chelsea will reignite their interest in Maignan as he enters the final few months of his contract, but it remains to be seen if the Blues make a permanent move in January.