Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has raised concerns about Chelsea’s strategy of playing out from the back, suggesting that it could hinder their progress this season. His remarks come in light of Robert Sanchez’s errors during Chelsea’s recent 4-2 victory against Brighton, which highlighted the risks associated with their build-up play under manager Enzo Maresca.
Concerns Over Build-Up Play
Merson acknowledges Chelsea’s strong start to the season but critiques their inability to execute a fluid build-up akin to that of teams like Manchester City or Arsenal. He described watching Chelsea as “anxious,” stating, “I can’t knock Chelsea’s start, but they’ve got to change this obsession with playing out of the back. You go and watch them and you’re squeezing your programme every time they try it.”
He emphasized the difference in approach compared to top teams, adding, “It’s not like watching Man City or Arsenal, the way they flow through the press. It’s like grabbing onto your seat stuff.” Merson warned that while Chelsea has the potential to excel, their current style can lead to self-inflicted wounds on the pitch.
The Path Forward for Chelsea
Merson advocates for Chelsea to focus on securing a top-four finish in the league and making a strong run in the Europa Conference League, where they have the opportunity to make history. He commended Maresca for maintaining consistency in his team selection despite the size of the squad but cautioned against complacency.
As Chelsea prepares to host Genk in the Conference League on Thursday and then welcome Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge, Merson’s insights reflect the pressure on the club to refine their strategy while striving for success.