Praise has been hard to come by from Jamie Carragher for Chelsea in recent months, and he has proven to be a controversial talking point amongst supporters.
The former Liverpool defender was not full of belief in the Blues last season, as they went on to win two trophies and finish in the top four.
Carragher did not believe Chelsea would qualify for the Champions League ahead of the final game of the season, before Levi Colwill’s goal secured their place back amongst Europe’s elite.
With a dominant Club World Cup victory, there is a quiet expectation amongst Blues fans that they could launch a serious title charge next season in the Premier League.
Jamie Carragher ahead of Manchester City FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League
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Jamie Carragher makes Jamie Gittens dig in Chelsea predictions
Enzo Maresca played down their chances last season, however has seen his side strengthened with the additions of the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens.
The latter is yet to make his first appearance for the club, however Jamie Carragher is not convinced he is going to bring anything to the table that Noni Madueke didn’t.
He told The Overlap: “I’m not sure he’ll push Chelsea any closer to the title. It feels like a lot of players changing without anyone really lifting the level. I know Cole Palmer’s been amazing, but all the wingers feel the same. Perfect example is Gittens comes in, Madueke leaves. I see that in a lot of positions.
“I still don’t see Chelsea finishing above the other top three. Favourites for fourth? I’d agree with that. I think of the Conference League last season, Cole Palmer wasn’t in the squad, and maybe a couple of other players. You have the Champions League now, so you’ll have to go for every game. I think it will be interesting to see how that one goes.”
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Maresca makes Carragher look silly
Maresca’s first season at Stamford Bridge is looked at in a really positive light, with improvements on all fronts and the club’s first trophies of the Todd Boehly era.
One man who certainly didn’t predict this is Carragher, with him having little confidence the Blues would overly improve after replacing Mauricio Pochettino.
In fact, Carragher predicted Maresca would be sacked before the season was over, and Chelsea would be dipping into the managerial market again.
This has clearly not turned out to be the case, and the Italian will be looking to prove the pundit wrong again with their performances and results next season.