Former Premier League stars, Peter Crouch and Joe Cole have identified a major concern in Graham Potter’s team after their disappointing Champions League 1-1 draw against Salzburg on Wednesday.
They advised the new manager to build confidence in some of his Chelsea players, with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Hakim Ziyech clearly lacking in that department.
It was Potter’s first game in charge of Chelsea after his appointment a week ago following the sack of Thomas Tuchel by the club’s owners.
Raheem Sterling put the home side ahead in the second half but Noah Okafor equalised for the visitors with 15 minutes to play.
Aubameyang started the game but did not make much contribution, while Ziyech was a second half substitute.
Crouch and Cole think these two, and other players, are struggling for confidence and that is what Potter must address.
Crouch told BT Sport. “Champions League against Salzburg at home you’d be expected to win that game. They had chances to do that.
“There’s a bit of a lack of confidence in certain players. Ziyech when he came on, you could see his shoulders were down. Aubameyang as well over the last two games.
“I think there’s a few players suffering from a lack of confidence and that’s something he really needs to address.”
Former Chelsea star Cole added, “There’s a collection of players in this squad who are not in their best confidence. Ziyech is one of them, Pulisic another one not in their very best form.”