BREAKING NEWS: “If you want to have a chance at contending for titles or winning against the big teams, you need to replace these two players with more suitable players. They are the main reason you don’t stand a chance against big teams.” – Gary Neville asserts that Chelsea could contend for titles if they were to replace two specific players.
Gary Neville believes that Chelsea are close to becoming serious contenders for the Premier League title but still need a few key signings to reach that level. Following their 2-1 loss to Liverpool, Neville highlighted the squad’s promise but noted gaps, particularly in the striker and goalkeeper positions. He suggested Chelsea needs a top-class forward and goalkeeper to regain their past dominance.
Neville pointed out Nicolas Jackson and Robert Sanchez as areas needing improvement. While Jackson has contributed five goals and three assists in eight Premier League games, Neville feels Chelsea lacks the elite striking power required to challenge consistently. Similarly, he criticized Sanchez’s goalkeeping, urging Chelsea to find a higher-caliber replacement to strengthen their defense.
Despite spending over £1 billion on transfers under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital since May 2022, Chelsea remains a work in progress. Neville believes further investments are required to make the team true title contenders. The Liverpool defeat, although close, exposed the difference between Chelsea’s current development and their rivals, underscoring the need for patience and squad refinement.
Neville did offer optimism, acknowledging the positive impact of manager Enzo Maresca, who has fostered belief in both the players and fans. Under Maresca, Chelsea appears to be progressing faster than expected, with a fresh tactical approach bringing hope for future success.
Speaking on his podcast, Neville reiterated that while Jackson has performed well, Chelsea still needs a proven world-class striker. He emphasized that the centre-forward and goalkeeper positions are the most influential in a team’s success, and acquiring top-tier talent in these roles could elevate Chelsea to challenge Manchester City and Arsenal in the coming seasons.
Jamie Carragher agreed, criticizing Sanchez’s failure to assert himself during Liverpool’s winning goal, reinforcing the need for Chelsea to urgently address the goalkeeper position. Carragher’s remarks highlighted how a commanding presence in goal is crucial for any team with title ambitions.
Both pundits agreed that while Chelsea has laid a strong foundation, they need world-class additions in key positions to compete with the Premier League’s top teams. Fans will be hoping the next transfer window brings the necessary reinforcements to unlock the full potential of the squad.
