09 August 2023 , 11:36
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William Gallas has warned Mauricio Pochettino he needs to sign a “world-class” striker if Chelsea want to compete this season.
The Blues boss has been brought in to transform the fortunes of a club that finished 45 points behind Premier League winners Manchester City. However, he needs to boost a goal-shy side that netted just 38 times last season, one of the lowest tallies in the top flight.
Chelsea have recruited Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal but lost big-money signing Christopher Nkunku for up to four months due to a knee injury, leaving Pochettino short of firepower. Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz topped the club's scoring charts last season with just nine goals each in all competitions.
Former Blues defender Gallas told Mirror Sport: “The problem that Chelsea have is that they are missing a world-class striker. Where is a world-class striker at Chelsea? I can’t see one.
"That is a big problem for Chelsea. I think Pochettino will play nice football, attacking football, but in the box you need that striker that is going to score at least 20 goals a season. I don’t think Chelsea have that and I don’t think the new players they have signed are capable of scoring 20 goals.”
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The Blues suffered a disastrous campaign last time out as they finished down in 12th - their lowest Premier League placing in almost two decades. Gallas won back-to-back titles and the League Cup during more than 200 appearances for the club. And the Frenchman has warned Chelsea fans not expect Pochettino to work miracles at Stamford Bridge.
New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is short of firepower (Getty Images)
Christopher Nkunku faces four months on the sidelines with a knee injury (Getty Images)“I don’t know if Pochettino will be the guy to win the Premier League with Chelsea,” he admitted. “Pochettino will try and rebuild the club. Everyone expects him to get off to a good start, but it will be difficult because the club have added a lot of new players to the squad, and it will take time for them to understand each other and his methods.
“Things can’t be any worse than last season. A club like Chelsea should always be challenging for trophies and last season was one of the worst seasons the club has had for 40 years. I know that he will definitely do better. Chelsea will improve and I expect them to finish in the top five, but I can’t see them winning the title this season.”
The Blues kick off their campaign at home against Liverpool on Sunday - and Gallas has backed his old club to start the season on the front foot, adding: “I don’t think Liverpool are ready yet. They will not be firing on all cylinders and their new players will be getting to know each other.
"I don’t think Liverpool are the same team they were two or three years ago, so I expect Chelsea to win.”
William Gallas was speaking on behalf of .