“It’s a huge mess at Chelsea” - William Gallas warns Enzo Maresca about problem at Stamford Bridge
Former Chelsea centre-back William Gallas has sent a warning to new boss Enzo Maresca about 'huge' problems at the club. Maresca has succeeded Mauricio Pochettino - who departed at the end of last season - this summer.
The Blues spent a fortune on young players last summer, but the results were mixed. Despite faring well in both domestic cups, they underwhelmed in the Premier League, where they finished a disappointing sixth after winning their last five games.
Their youth-centric policy has continued this summer, with the Sun reporting the addition of seven new players for under £100 million. The Blues are also on the cusp of signing 20-year-old Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion while preparing to send experienced midfielder Conor Gallagher the other way.
Gallas told Lord Ping (via the Sun) that the club have overspent on 'wrong' players, elaborating on the 'mess' Maresca is inheriting:
"The players are too young, and it’s a huge problem, but the problem isn’t down to the players, the problem is whoever is bringing them in.
"It’s the owner who is putting his hand into his pocket, but others are giving him the information, they’ve spent too much on the wrong players, and now they are looking at goalkeepers. It’s a huge mess at Chelsea, a huge mess."
A bemused Gallas reacted to reports of the Blues looking to add a fourth goalkeeper to their ranks:
"I’m speechless. What can I say about Chelsea signing another goalkeeper. Why are they doing it? What for? Why do they think they need another goalkeeper?"
The Blues play their final pre-season friendly of the season at home to reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan on Sunday (August 11).
How have Chelsea fared in pre-season?
Chelsea commenced their pre-season with a 2-2 draw with Wrexham at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
In their next outing, the Blues slumped to a 4-1 loss to Scottish giants Celtic at the Notre Dame Stadium in Indiana. Enzo Maresca's side, though, registered their first win under their new boss when they blanked Club America 3-0 at the Mercedez-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
However, the Blues fell to a 4-2 defeat to Manchester City - whom they meet in their Premier League opener on August 18 - at the Ohio Stadium in Columbus. They closed their pre-season with a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.