Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Jamie Redknapp have posted a scathing critique of Chelsea’s current situation following the Blues’ 4-1 loss to Manchester United on Thursday night.
Frank Lampard’s side failed to spark a winning performance as the hosts capitalized on chances in front of goal, while Chelsea fended off golden chances and exposed themselves to counterattacks.
The former Hasselbaink player looked on at Old Trafford and told the next incoming manager, believed to be Mauricio Pochettino, to get ruthless with players he doesn’t think are up to snuff.
The Dutchman expressed concern about Chelsea’s oversized squad of underperforming talent and admitted the only option might be to send players to train on their own or with academy squads as Redknapp have also pointed out that it would not be easy to move players who have signed long contracts.
Redknapp first said on Sky Sports: “The problem is you can’t just say ‘I don’t want you anymore, you have to go’, these players have big contracts, it’s a lot harder than the people don’t think so.
Chelsea fell to a crushing 4-1 loss to Manchester United on Thursday night
Chelsea have endured a torrid season and will finish the season in the bottom half of the table, with expected new boss Mauricio Pochettino (above, right) facing a huge rebuilding job.
Hasselbaink added: “He [Pochettino] might have to be ruthless, if you haven’t left you might have to train at another time with a different team.
“You have to keep the team you want to work with separate from the ones that will be disappointed. He may have to be ruthless.
“He will have to be,” added Redknapp.
Pochettino is set to take over at Stamford Bridge following the end of the Premier League season this weekend.
The Argentine faces the difficult task of downsizing the club’s bloated squad following a spending spree on dozens of new players by new owners led by American businessman Todd Boehly.
Premier League clubs will be able to bring in new reinforcements and sell players deemed surplus to requirements when the transfer market opens on Wednesday June 14.
Chelsea have won just one Premier League game during Lampard’s interim spell, falling to 12th in the English top-flight table and facing the possibility of a 13th place overall.
There were glimpses of improved attacking play in a spirited first half in Manchester on Thursday, but their failure to complete chances in front of goal cost the visitors.
Jamie Redknapp (right) and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (left) posted a scathing review of Chelsea
Man United went wild in the second half at Old Trafford as they secured a 4-1 win over Chelsea
Hasselbaink further lamented his former side’s lackluster efforts as Chelsea capitulated in the second half, adding: “The second half was totally different to the first.
“They arrived in very good positions, didn’t take advantage of chances and United shouldn’t be 2-0 down.
“In the second half you have to kick off, they never kicked off, they looked defeated, individual errors came in play, it went from bad to worse.
“In the way they have to play and also what you give on the pitch, I’m disappointed with the second half.
“Chelsea were good between two boxes, very good, as soon as they entered the box… defensively not good, (when) attacking, the last pass or the last thing to put the ball in the net was not good du everything,” he added.