Paul Merson, a former professional footballer turned sports pundit, is expressing some concerns about Chelsea’s performance under their current manager, Enzo Maresca. Despite a promising start to the season, with Maresca even being named Premier League Manager of the Month for September, Chelsea has suffered losses against top teams like Manchester City and Liverpool.
Merson is worried that Chelsea could potentially become what is known as “flat track bullies,” a term used to describe teams that perform well against weaker opponents but struggle against stronger ones. Chelsea’s home form at Stamford Bridge has been particularly concerning, with only one win out of four games this season.
The team’s upcoming match against Newcastle is crucial for them to bounce back and prove themselves against a mid-table opponent. However, Merson’s main concern is Chelsea’s ability to perform against top teams like Manchester United and Arsenal in the future.
While Chelsea has shown promise and potential, Merson emphasizes the importance of beating top teams to truly establish themselves as contenders in the league. It is essential for Chelsea to not only win against lesser opponents but also show their strength and quality in challenging matches against stronger teams.
As a young and developing team, Chelsea is still learning and growing. Positive results against top teams in the upcoming games would go a long way in dispelling Merson’s worries and solidifying Chelsea’s reputation as a formidable force in the league. Ultimately, the team’s ability to perform consistently and effectively against all types of opponents will be a true test of their capabilities and potential for success in the season.
