“I could understand if the players were 30”

Footballer-turned-pundit Paul Merson has expressed his concern about Chelsea’s search for a new manager in the summer. The Blues have now lost six straight games in the Premier League, slipping to ninth in the table.

While the win over Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final gave their supporters a glimmer of hope, the manner of the loss to Nottingham Forest on Monday has disheartened the fans. Several of them were seen leaving Stamford Bridge early as the Blues succumbed to a 3-1 loss.

In the wake of another embarrassing display from Chelsea, Merson has weighed in on the challenges that await the club this summer. The Englishman pointed to how the players are not even doing the bare minimum on the pitch, highlighting how they are being outrun in every game.

Merson, who has been a boyhood Chelsea fan, wrote in his column for Sky Sports:

“I really worry for Chelsea. Where are they going to be next season?

“I don’t care how good the new manager is, the players are not performing. The bare minimum is to run around but they are outrun in every game. I could understand if the players were 30, 31 or 32, but they are not. These players are at the start of their careers.”

Interim manager Calum McFarlane is not expected to continue beyond the summer. The Premier League giants must look to bring in a strong character to steady the ship at Stamford Bridge. However, Merson does not believe that the club is in a situation to attract the best of coaches.

He added:

“It wasn’t that long ago that Chelsea was the best job in the world for a manager. It’s not now.

“I don’t see the days of Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel, that calibre of manager wanting the job anymore.

“A top manager only has to have a look at the issues I just stated to know it’s a club that’s not in a good place.”

Chelsea face Liverpool at Anfield next Saturday before the FA Cup final against Manchester City in the following weekend. At this moment, they are not favourites to qualify for any European competition or win the FA Cup.

Chelsea star Joao Pedro says he feels ‘sorry’ for fans

Joao Pedro scored the consolation goal for the Blues in the 3-1 loss at home to Nottingham Forest. It was a sensational overhead kick, but he refused to celebrate it for obvious reasons.

After the game, the Brazilian acknowledged the fact that him and his teammates must have a hard look at themselves after the loss. He also added that he feels sorry for the fans who turned up to support the team.

Pedro stated (h/t GOAL):

“From the beginning we conceded too early which made it really difficult to turn the game around. We need to find a way not to make these mistakes every game.

“This is the Premier League. If you concede very early, it’s difficult to come back. Everyone needs to look at themselves, me included, to find a way to do better. I feel sorry for the fans. We need to see where we can improve.”

Pedro has scored 15 goals and registered five assists in 33 appearances in the Premier League this season. He joined the Blues in a deal worth £60 million last summer.