Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has expressed concern that his old club may end the season without a trophy.
The Blues have struggled for consistency under new manager Enzo Maresca, winning just two of their six Premier League games so far. They have also picked up two red cards in back-to-back matches, something Mikel says is down to inexperience.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, the former Super Eagles captain said Chelsea’s young squad lacks balance and key signings were ignored during the summer.
“Inexperience. That’s the conclusion,” Mikel said. “We needed to strengthen at the back, bring in a proper striker, a centre-back and a goalkeeper. The defence is nowhere near good enough to win the Premier League. It’s impossible. Defenders win you titles.”
Chelsea’s latest setback came against Brighton, where they led before Trevoh Chalobah’s red card changed the game. Brighton went on to win 3-1, leaving Chelsea seven points behind leaders Liverpool after only six matches.
Mikel added that Levi Colwill’s injury has left the defence even weaker, and losing Chalobah to suspension makes things worse ahead of their clash with Liverpool.
“Going forward we can score goals and create chances, but at the back we are fragile,” Mikel warned. “We’ve given away too many red cards. Not good enough.”
Chelsea have won two, drawn two and lost two games in the league this season, and tougher fixtures still lie ahead.