Former Manchester City shot-stopper Shay Given has expressed serious doubts about Chelsea’s ability to contend for the UEFA Champions League title this season. His comments came after the Blues were held to a frustrating 2–2 draw by Qarabag on Wednesday night.
Chelsea looked promising at the start, with Estevao Willian firing them ahead in Baku. However, defensive lapses saw Qarabag come from behind and take a 2–1 lead before halftime.
In an effort to salvage the game, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca introduced Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, and Enzo Fernandez. The decision paid off when former Manchester United winger Garnacho equalised in the 53rd minute.
But the draw now means Chelsea have managed just seven points from four Champions League matches, putting pressure on the team ahead of tougher fixtures.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Shay Given didn’t hold back.
According to him, Chelsea looked complacent, as though they expected an easy win. He criticised their defensive organisation and warned that Qarabag could have easily snatched a late winner.
“Chelsea played within themselves. They looked arrogant tonight, like they thought it would be a walkover,” Given said.
“The defending was worrying. Qarabag cut through them too easily, and for me, this performance doesn’t show a team capable of winning the Champions League.”
Given also noted that despite their strong showing at the Club World Cup earlier in the summer, Maresca’s men seem to have dipped in form.
He highlighted concerns about the backline and Maresca’s attempt to rest Moises Caicedo, who has already covered a lot of ground this season.
With upcoming Champions League fixtures likely to be more challenging, Chelsea will need to tighten their defence and rediscover their winning mentality if they hope to make a deep run in the competition.
