Merson convinced Chelsea’s problems will continue

Paul Merson does not believe Chelsea’s poor run will end sooner rather than later.

The pressure on head coach Graham Potter increased when his side suffered a dismal 1-0 home defeat to bottom side Southampton on Saturday.

His expensively-assembled team lacked cohesion and there were boos from the home fans at the final whistle.


And former Arsenal and England forward Merson thinks the Blues’ problems will continue.

“One is a team, the other is an absolute team of individuals. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Merson said on Sky Sports News’ following the Saints’ shock win at Stamford Bridge.

“The players they’ve brought in – take away (Enzo) Fernandez because he’s a top holding midfield player – are all individual footballers.

“I don’t see this stopping. They’ve bought a lorry load of individuals I’m afraid. It’s all dribblers.”

Chelsea have now won just two games in their past 14 in all competitions.

But Potter, who made six changes to the side that lost to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, believes he can turn things around.

“After a 1-0 defeat at home any criticism you get is understandable,” Potter said at his post-match press conference.

“We have had a tough period and the challenge of integrating some young players into the Premier League.

“While results don’t go your way it can be tough, that is how it is.

“There will be people out there who think I am the problem.

“I don’t think they are right, but I am not arrogant enough to say their opinion isn’t worth articulating.

“My job is to help the team and keep working through a tough period.”