Jamie Carragher takes swipe at Chelsea ahead of new season. He predicted they won’t make it past the Champions League group stage. Furthermore, the former Liverpool defender doubled down by playing down the Blues’ recent Club World Cup success, calling it “not a proper competition.” Unsurprisingly, the remarks have set off a storm among fans.
Carragher Doubts Chelsea’s European Chances
Speaking on The Overlap on August 14, 2025, Carragher said he doesn’t see Chelsea making it past the league phase of the revamped Champions League. Under the new format, the top eight advance directly to the Round of 16. Teams finishing 9th–24th enter a playoff. Jamie Carragher still doesn’t expect Chelsea to reach the knockouts. That all sounds far too bleak to many of its supporters.
Comments were soon published online, branded “shocking” by the headlines. Meanwhile, the increasingly disturbing voices of fans via social media called him a “clown” for writing off an outfit that was named world champion at the Club World Cup just a few months ago. Some said click baiting for punditry fracas. Others suggested he genuinely doubts Enzo Maresca’s ability to fill out a XI or navigate Europe.
Club World Cup Criticism Sparks Backlash
Carragher also belittled Chelsea ‘s 2025 FIFA Club World Cup triumph claiming it was not a genuine win. According to him, several top European champions — from England, Spain, and Italy — missed the tournament, so he did not consider it a global championship.
Players and fans celebrated Chelsea’s win, which included victories over continental champions, as a milestone. Carragher’s opinion only managed to stir the pot and reignite arguments from old about the worth of this competition in relation to big European trophies. Supporters hit back in their droves online to remind that the team still saw off all their opponents. They retained a title FIFA had recognised.
Carragher’s comments have added some extra spice to Chelsea’s season narrative. As for if his prediction comes true or not, the Blues at least have an additional motivation. They aim to silence their critics on the grandest stage.
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