“I’m concerned when I look at the squad” - Ex-Chelsea star who threatened to score own goal against club delivers worrying claim on Enzo Maresca
Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has claimed that he is concerned about the club. He said that manager Enzo Maresca could even get sacked by Christmas the way things are going.
The Blues have had a terrible time since the Todd Boehly-led consortium took over as owners in the summer of 2022. They have spent well over £1 billion on numerous players but to no avail. They finished 12th in the 2022-23 season in the Premier League and sixth last season.
The club's hierarchy has gotten rid of four managers in two seasons and now appointed Enzo Maresca ahead of the 2024-25 season. The Italian has overseen four pre-season friendlies so far, losing two, drawing one, and winning one.
In a recent interview, with Genting Casino, William Gallas, who once threatened to score an own goal against the Blues, shared his concerns at the squad. He said (via The Sun):
"Even though it’s pre-season, I’m concerned about Chelsea and I’m concerned when I look at the squad. Despite all the money they’ve spent, the squad still isn’t good enough to qualify for the Champions League, they have so many players and they still need more quality.
"Could Enzo Maresca be sacked before Christmas? Anything can happen in football."
Gallas notably joined London rivals Arsenal from the Blues in 2006 amidst huge controversy. After his departure, Chelsea released a scathing statement in which they wrote that Gallas threatened to score an own goal if he was forced to play (via The Independent).
Taking a look at Chelsea's pre-season so far
The Blues, like many other Premier League clubs, have traveled to the US for their pre-season tour ahead of the 2024-25 season. They started their friendlies with a 2-2 draw against League One side Wrexham on July 24. Lesley Ugochukwu scored in the 82nd minute to help them avoid a defeat.
Chelsea then lost 4-1 against Scottish giants Celtic on July 27. They then got their first win of the pre-season against Mexican side Club America, as they won 3-0. They then lost 4-2 against fellow Premier League side Manchester City on August 3.
Enzo Maresca's side will face Real Madrid on August 6 in their final friendly on the US tour. They will then return to London and host Inter Milan in another friendly on August 11. Their competitive season will begin with a big Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge against Manchester City on August 18.