Currently positioned at 10th in the Premier League, Chelsea experienced a shocking 1-0 defeat to Championship side Middlesbrough in the initial leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. Mauricio Pochettino’s struggle to unlock consistent performances has raised doubts among pundits, including O’Hara, regarding the team’s current state. O’Hara suggests the reinstatement of John Terry to address the team’s apparent lack of leadership and absence of “proper men.”
In a conversation with Grosvenor Sport, O’Hara emphasized the need to bring John Terry back into the dressing room to instill a sense of responsibility among the players. O’Hara reminisced about facing Chelsea during his playing days, highlighting the presence of players like Terry, Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, and Didier Drogba as exemplary figures of resilience and determination. According to O’Hara, these “proper men” would secure victories even on off days, showcasing a fighting spirit that seems absent in the current Chelsea squad.
Expressing disappointment in the team’s soft performance against Middlesbrough, O’Hara criticized the lack of leadership qualities, singling out only Thiago Silva and Cole Palmer as exceptions. He questioned the suitability of Connor Gallagher as the captain of a club with Chelsea’s stature, emphasizing the players’ collective failure to embody the club’s historical standards.
Despite Chelsea’s disappointing season, Pochettino’s position as the manager remains unchallenged, as the leadership continues to support his vision and promises additional signings in the upcoming months. O’Hara, earlier in the week, expressed surprise at Chelsea’s failure to involve Terry in the coaching side of the club.
Looking ahead, Chelsea aims to bounce back when they face Marco Silva’s Fulham on Saturday, January 13, hoping to initiate the new year in the Premier League with a victorious start.
Chelsea performance and stats
Chelsea is currently 10th in the Premier League with 28 points.
In the last 20 games, it has won 8 times, drawn 4 times, and lost 8 times. In its last match, Chelsea won 2-3 against Luton Town.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 34 goals and conceding 31.
Chelsea will play the next match in Premier League against Liverpool on Wednesday 31st of January in Liverpool.