Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says Chelsea remain some way short of being a “finished team” and do not yet have the strength or consistency required to win the Premier League.
The former Chelsea striker believes Enzo Maresca’s side can challenge near the top of the table and finish above Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool this season, but expects Arsenal to remain the strongest team in the division.
Chelsea began their 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, a result that has increased optimism among supporters following Maresca’s appointment, a significant summer recruitment drive and a change in the club’s transfer policy.
Joao Felix, Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo were among those to impress in the win, but defensive weaknesses and uncertainty over the goalkeeping position remain concerns.
Robert Sanchez was heavily criticised after playing a major part in Fulham’s two goals, and Hasselbaink believes Chelsea must resolve those problems quickly if they are to compete for major honours.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Hasselbaink said: “The three points were important, and Chelsea played exceptionally well at times, with some good performances.”
“But at other times you think, ‘Oh!’ The team needs to eliminate these issues quickly, and they must be addressed immediately.”
“If Chelsea can keep multiple clean sheets, they will have a chance.”
Sanchez’s form has been inconsistent since joining Chelsea, although Hasselbaink pointed to several matches in which the goalkeeper performed at a high level.
“Would I replace him? He has also had some excellent gamesvery, very good games.”
“For example, against PSG in the Club World Cup, and in some other matches, but he has also had moments where his performance was not ideal.”
“Consistencythe best goalkeepers are consistent, always consistent.”
“He needs to find consistency. Can he do it? I don’t know, but he has to find consistency.”
“Regarding Fulham’s first goal, if he were to assess it himself, he would admit that his performance wasn’t good enough.”
Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as they consider making a move before the transfer deadline.
Hasselbaink said Chelsea might look to recruit a replacement if they have enough money available and believe a new goalkeeper could help them mount a title challenge.
“If you have significant funds to spend, maybe you go and sign the best goalkeeper available and replace him, because you need to become champions.”
“But that’s not really the issue, is it?”
Asked whether Chelsea could win the title with Sanchez in goal, the former Netherlands international added: “If they end up winning the title, then Sanchez will have to improve significantly from the level he showed in the first game.”
Chelsea will attempt to maintain their positive start when they face Luton in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Thursday evening. They then return to Premier League action at home against Brighton.
Hasselbaink feels Chelsea’s lack of European football could work in their favour, with the team facing only midweek-to-Saturday fixtures rather than the additional demands of continental competition.
However, he considers Arsenal clear favourites to retain the title, describing Mikel Arteta’s side as mentally stronger, more mature and further developed than Chelsea.
“They will certainly challenge, but they won’t win the title.”
“Arsenal are much stronger, much further ahead mentally, and far more mature. Their development is also much further along and more stable.”
Chelsea have introduced a new head coach and fresh tactical ideas, including a back-five system, but Hasselbaink believes Maresca still has considerable work to do.
“Chelsea have a new coach and fresh tactical ideas, playing with a back five. They played well, but they are clearly not a finished team yet.”
“There’s still a lot to do. The situation is very positive right now, but I don’t think Chelsea are ready to be champions.”
“I do think they will perform better than Man United, Man City, and Liverpool this season, but that is because they only have midweek-to-Saturday fixtures.”
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