The ex-Liverpool man has also criticized the recruitment policy at the club, arguing that they have brought in poor players. He stated that Conor Gallagher doesn’t come close to any of the top four sides and questioned the reliability of Raheem Sterling, claiming that his performance on the field is inconsistent. Nicol’s observations on Sterling are seemingly supported by statistics, with the England international having not scored in eight Premier League games. Sterling was replaced in the second half against Wolves and was booed as he left the field.
Regarding Chelsea’s disorganized defensive performance, Nicol added his criticism, questioning the acquisition of Disasi and expressing concern over the age of Silva, who is 39. He described the team as bad and suggested that the individuals responsible for selecting these players are not suited for their roles. It is widely expected that Silva will leave the club when his contract expires in the summer, as there have been no discussions about a new deal. Gallagher has also been linked with a £50 million move to Tottenham, and the potential sale would benefit Chelsea’s compliance with Financial Fair Play regulations, as the 23-year-old came through the club’s academy ranks.
After the disappointing performance against Wolves, Pochettino acknowledged the fans’ frustration and admitted that his side is currently underperforming. He apologized to the fans and recognized the disparity between their perception and the reality of the team’s current circumstances. Pochettino stated, “The perception is that Chelsea should be in a different position, but for different circumstances, we are not there.”