Chelsea legend Claude Makelele has voiced his skepticism about his former club’s chances of lifting the Premier League trophy this season, despite recent improvements under their current management. The former Blues midfielder, however, remains optimistic that Chelsea could mount a strong challenge in the UEFA Champions League if they reach the semi-final stage.
The Frenchman shared his assessment following Chelsea’s mixed performances over the past week. The Blues managed a hard-fought 1–0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League but were held to a 2–2 draw away to Qarabag in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.
Chelsea currently sit seventh in the Premier League table after 10 matches, having collected 15 points from a possible 30. In the Champions League, they occupy the twelfth spot on the group stage standings with seven points after four games — a position that still keeps their knockout stage hopes alive.
Speaking to Metro UK, Makelele admitted that while Chelsea are not yet at the level required to win the English top-flight title, their performances in Europe suggest that success on the continental stage is not out of reach.
“Winning the Premier League, I don’t know. But I think this season they will be there in the top four and fighting for the title,” Makelele said.
The 51-year-old, who was part of the Chelsea squad that helped redefine the club’s defensive stability during the early 2000s, believes the Champions League represents a more achievable target for the current side. He emphasized that knockout football is a different test — one where Chelsea’s tactical discipline and big-game mentality could make the difference.
“Chelsea need to learn again and try to make sure they get themselves into the quarter-final or semi-final,” Makelele noted. “I think if they are there, they have a possibility of winning because they demonstrated in America [FIFA Club World Cup] that they can beat Paris Saint-Germain in a good way. They showed how to play, how to fight, and how to score — this is the Chelsea we want to see.”
Makelele’s comments come at a crucial moment for the club, which has undergone a major rebuilding phase in recent seasons following a string of managerial changes and the introduction of younger talents. The Blues’ supporters have been eager to see a return to the consistency and competitiveness that once defined their golden years under José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti.
Chelsea’s attacking form has shown flashes of brilliance, with new signings beginning to settle and deliver more cohesive performances. However, inconsistency remains an issue — particularly when it comes to finishing and maintaining concentration across 90 minutes.
Analysts believe that for Chelsea to challenge for top honours, they will need to address key issues in both midfield creativity and defensive coordination. The team’s performances have at times been promising, but lapses in crucial moments have cost them valuable points domestically and in Europe.
Makelele, who spent five years at Stamford Bridge from 2003 to 2008, remains a respected figure among Chelsea fans. His influence as a holding midfielder redefined the modern defensive midfield role — so much so that it became colloquially known as the “Makelele Role.” He was instrumental in helping the club secure back-to-back Premier League titles under Mourinho, establishing Chelsea as a dominant force in English football.
Drawing on his experience as both a player and coach, Makelele urged patience and faith in the club’s current project, emphasizing that rebuilding a winning culture takes time. He acknowledged that while Chelsea may not yet be at their peak, the foundation for future success is already being laid.
“This team has quality and potential,” he said. “What they need now is consistency and confidence. You can see the progress — the structure is there, the energy is there, and the fans are beginning to believe again. That’s the most important thing.”
With the Premier League title appearing out of reach for now, Makelele’s faith in Chelsea’s European potential aligns with the views of many supporters who consider the Champions League as a realistic route for glory this season. The Blues have a strong record in knockout competitions, having previously won the Champions League in 2012 and again in 2021.
For Chelsea, the immediate challenge lies in maintaining their form in both competitions as they seek to restore their reputation as one of Europe’s elite clubs. Their next test comes this weekend as they welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League. The team will be aiming to build momentum and strengthen their top-four ambitions ahead of another crucial round of Champions League fixtures.
As Chelsea prepare for the challenges ahead, Makelele’s words serve as both a caution and motivation. While the Premier League may demand more consistency and depth, the Champions League — often unpredictable and fiercely competitive — could offer the Blues a more attainable opportunity to reclaim European glory.
For fans, the prospect of witnessing another Champions League triumph underlines the resilience that has long been part of Chelsea’s identity. As Makelele aptly put it, “This is the way we want to see Chelsea — playing with heart, fighting spirit, and belief.”
By: Africa Live News Sports Desk
📩 Email: editor@africalivenews.com
