There are definitely certain Chelsea individuals that needs to pull their socks up and perform miles better after the international break.
The Blues are in a position where their season can still swing one of two ways.
In terms of the domestic form, Enzo Maresca’s side currently sit fourth in the Premier League table as they try to chase down Champions League qualification. On top of that, Chelsea are also competing in the Conference League quarter-finals.
A pause for March’s internationals has allowed a period of time to reset at Stamford Bridge, but it’s so vital they hit the ground running when the fixtures return after a rocky 2025 so far.
Even though the season hangs in the balance, Chelsea are generally happy with Maresca during his first season as the club’s head coach. We’d argue his side must qualify for the Champions League and win the Conference League to make it a decent debut year in charge.
Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images
Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images
Tony Cascarino strongly criticises form of Chelsea duo Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku
Tony Cascarino, the talkSPORT pundit, hasn’t been impressed by what he’s seen from Chelsea attackers Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku this season.
He claims that Blues winger Sancho, 25, has seen his form disappear recently. In fact, he’s not registered a goal contribution since 4 January against Crystal Palace. As for Nkunku, the 27-year-old forward has been labelled “absolutely redundant” in the current team.
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Cascarino told talkSPORT: “Sancho, from the player I watched at Crystal Palace, who looked really good, has lost his way as the season has gone on.
“Nkunku, the guy I watched in Germany at Leipzig, and he really was a handful to play against, looks absolutely redundant in the Chelsea team. He doesn’t look like he’s going to cause any issue.”
Sancho can’t be pleased with just two goals and six assists in 28 games across all competitions since joining the Blues from Manchester United on a season-long loan, which includes an obligation to buy. Incidentally, Chelsea can opt out of buying Sancho if they cough up a £5m penalty fee.
On paper, Nkunku has made some decent contributions this campaign, especially as he’s only started eight times in the Premier League.
Competition Appearances Goals
Premier Leauge 25 3
Conference League 7 5
Conference League qualifiers 2 2
FA Cup 2 1
Carabao Cup 2 3
Christopher Nkunku for Chelsea in the 2024/25 season
The reality is that the Frenchman doesn’t look comfortable unless he’s playing in a No 10 position, which is very rare because Cole Palmer mainly occupies that role.
It’s been reported that Chelsea are ‘increasingly likely’ to sell Nkunku at the end of the season when the summer transfer window comes around. The fact that he’s scored once in his last 12 games across all competitions highlights his recent struggles, too.
Photo by Harriet Lander - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Harriet Lander – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku bond
It was claimed earlier in the season that Sancho and Nkunku bonded to form a great relationship on the pitch.
We’ve not seen too much of them as an attacking partnership, though. In fact, Sancho and Nkunku have only combined for two direct goals in their 18 appearances together this season (Transfermarkt).
The understanding between Chelsea pair Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson seems like the only attacking combination at the club right now with any significant substance. Hopefully, they’re back on the pitch together after the international break.