Chelsea have spent almost £1.5billion on transfer fees since the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital regime took over at Stamford Bridge in 2022 and yet the blues are no closer to the title as they sit in fifth place in the table.
Why are Chelsea struggling?
Chelsea have struggled to see out games throughout the season, and it was an issue again on Saturday as they fell to title challengers Aston Villa in a 2-1 defeat.
Speaking to ESPN, Nicol has revealed how he thinks those who control Chelsea’s dressing room are failing to command the side this season.
“At the end of the day, particularly Enzo Fernandez and Moises (Caicedo) in the middle of the park, it all starts with them.”
“Now, I do believe they have problems at centre-back and I think that doesn’t help. But the guts of the team are those two, and, in my opinion, those are the two who should be sorting things around them and behind them when they are ahead and stopping the opposition from playing and then getting the result.
“You play your football, you get ahead but then you have to be smart. And I’m sorry, these two guys have had enough experience. World Club champions, they’ve won a European title. How much experience do you need?”
Is Maresca to blame?
The Blues have taken the lead in 13 of their 18 Premier League games and only won eight, drawing twice and losing three times. Nicols continued as he ripped into manager Enzo Maresca who he thinks is struggling to get the best out of his players.
“I think Maresca has to get a hold of the two of them and speak to them and make sure that when they are ahead and they are trying to see the game out, that they do certain things at certain times of the game.
“No, sometimes you just have to do the dirty stuff and make sure you get over the line, and those two guys for me is where this starts.’”
Chelsea return to action on Tuesday with a home fixture against Bournemouth in a game that could launch the side into the top four. A loss however could expose Maresca to more crticism as calls for him to be sacked continue to grow.