If there is any consolation from Chelsea’s heavy defeat to PSG, it is that Liam Rosenior’s men can focus on domestic matters – and Owen Hargreaves has weighed up their top-five and FA Cup chances.
An 8-2 aggregate defeat saw Chelsea knocked out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage, the most goals Chelsea have conceded over two legs on the European stage. It was men against boys.
The 3-0 defeat on the night was marred with Chelsea fans singing at Todd Boehly, and a complete vindication of Joe Cole’s rant earlier this week. It was compounded by Trevoh Chalobah’s late injury.
Do you think Chelsea should sack Liam Rosenior? Or are you willing to give him more time?🤔
Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
A dismal end to an awful week, which has included two PSG defeats, a loss to Newcastle, the loss of Reece James as well as Chalobah and a £10.75m Premier League fine. But can Chelsea still finish in fifth place?
Owen Hargreaves thinks top-five and an FA Cup is a success
While some Chelsea board members think Rosenior could be sacked, both Hargreaves and Joe Cole made it a point to say, following the loss to PSG, that the mess Chelsea find themselves in is not on Rosenior.
Former midfielder Owen Hargreaves smiling
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
But what makes this season a success for Chelsea? Well, Hargreaves told TNT Sports that a top-five finish and Champions League football, as well as The FA Cup trophy, would be a success – but it will be tough.
“If they can win the FA Cup and finish in the top five, which would mean the Champions League, they’ve had a good season. But if you look at those fixtures, City, United, Brighton away,” Hargeaves said.
“Forest and Spurs fighting for their lives, Liverpool away, Sunderland away, really difficult fixtures. They’ll do well to finish in the top five. They need to turn it around, this is not on Liam. But they need to fight.”
Why Chelsea might just have a glimmer of FA Cup hope
Six Premier League teams remain in The FA Cup, as well as Southampton and Chelsea’s quarter-final opponents Port Vale. The issue for Chelsea’s pursuit of the trophy, is that Arsenal and Man City remain.
Chelsea player ratings on an awful night vs PSG 🤕
Who was the worst performer?
Chelsea player ratings vs PSG
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
But with Arsenal now in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Mikel Arteta will surely prioritise the hunt for a Premier League trophy and going far in Europe. It might just lessen the FA Cup’s importance.
City, meanwhile, are beatable and face Liverpool in the next round, while Chelsea host one of League One’s worst sides this season. There is scope to believe that Chelsea go on and win The FA Cup this term.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox