In an exclusive interview with BOYLE Sports , Chelsea icon Florent Malouda has given his thoughts on Chelsea's start to the season and emphasises the importance of squad-depth in cultivating success.
The former winger speaks about the ability of Cole Palmer and how Enzo Maresca has effectively managed his development.
Malouda has also had plenty to say on attackers from across the league Guiu, Pedro, Jackson and Haaland and whether or not Chelsea need to upgrade their Sanchez in net.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s “Mixed” Start
Mixed performances, particularly in the home game against Crystal Palace. However, gaining points in the last two games, especially away against West Ham, was crucial.
Expectations are higher after last season, and we need consistency. As Chelsea fans, we expect nothing less than excellence. That is why there are mixed feelings about the season's start, but looking at the table, it's quite positive.
Squad Depth Needed To Compete
I think that was almost expected because even during the Club World Cup, you had players complaining about the schedule and about the fact that there was almost no recovery after the season. The Chelsea team performed well at the tournament, but now they are paying the price.
This is where the depth of your squad is tested. So we also have to take into consideration the fact that there's going to be a World Cup next year. So for all international players, it will be a challenging, a long, exhausting season.
They must look after themselves, and they must accept also not to play every game to be able to lead the team to trophies, because competition is getting higher, intensity of the game is getting higher, and you're always at risk of losing your key players for a lot of games.
Cole Palmer
Palmer Key To Success
Cole Palmer is the key player. He has proven he has the shoulders for this. Now it's about building his physique to play every game. Every time he's fit, he's an impact player with a big impact on positive results. We definitely need him.
With Champions League and international football, there will be high demand and strain on him. Other players need to step up and match his level, so danger can come from everywhere. When we play a team, they almost always try to block Cole Palmer and his impact on the result.
Maresca Manges Palmer Well
Enzo Maresca needs to be very careful with Cole Palmer, and I think he is careful with the way he manages him, but you must play your best players. Obviously, Cole Palmer is young, but in the manager's position, you want results.
It's not like you have time, and you can spare a few games here and there. You need to have your best players, and sometimes your best players are not in their best physical form, but they still have an impact on the team. So he manages him well.
I think he will try to give him some rest. There's a World Cup coming, but the priority is to perform for the club.
Marc Guiu
Can Guiu Backup Pedro?
I think there was no choice, but Marc Guiu is a good backup because he knows the club, and he shows some glimpses that he has something to bring to the table. Obviously, when you compare their options with the top sides, it's not enough. It's not enough to challenge for the Premier League title.
But short-term, it's a good solution. I believe that the young players who are already part of the team have more experience. They must be hungry for games. They must be hungry also to deliver at the highest level, and that's what it's all about. So, for me in the short term, it was the best solution.
Maybe we'll have a good surprise with Academy players, or Jamie Gittens. They have an opportunity before the next transfer window to show that they are reliable at this level.
All About Timing For Guiu
Marc Guiu definitely has the chance to become a key player for Chelsea. It's happened before for young players, and it just depends on whether he's ready. If he believes he belongs there, the opportunity will come, and he'll have to perform because the expectations and pressure will be high. It's not about past achievements or pedigree; it's about being in a challenging league now.
There are important competitions, and the level is high. The talent is there; now it's about expressing it at the right time.
Nicolas Jackson
Jackson Out For Revenge
He's a striker, so Nicolas Jackson will look to score every game, but this one will be special. I wouldn't say it's a feeling of revenge, because he is still a Chelsea player.
However, he has a point to prove, and history shows that former players or players on loan often shine brightest against their old clubs. Chelsea is aware of that, but it's part of the competition, and they'll have to manage that challenge.
He has moved out of the Premier League, but I think it's probably due to the price tag. I don't think it's about the quality of the player; it's most probably the price tag, and it was certainly done on purpose for him not to go to another team in the Premier League.
That's why he's on loan. But most of the teams racing for the title already have their striker. Nicholas Jackson was part of Chelsea, a top team, so it wouldn't make sense for him to go to a team below Chelsea in the Premier League. So, short-term, that was the best option, I think, to go abroad, especially to Bayern Munich.
Joao Pedro
Can Pedro Challenge Haaland For The Golden Boot?
Joao Pedro being in the Golden Boot race with Erling Haaland would be good news for Chelsea because he's got goals in him. He settled very quickly, signing and then playing, scoring two goals in his first game.
That was the best way to settle and get his bearings before the season. What I like about him is that he's always smiling and plays for the team.
He created a good bond with Cole Palmer, which is clear to see, and he kept the same energy to restart the season. Now the concern would be more about staying injury-free, keeping that confidence he shows, and making it contagious.
I like his character, and he seems to be hungry. He has dreams he wants to fulfil at Chelsea, and it's nice to see.
Chelsea's Keeper Strategy
Should Chelsea Have Signed Donnarumma?
I think it's about opportunity and price tag. I don't think Chelsea were ready to go and compete on the transfer market for this kind of wages and contract at this position. Chelsea chose Robert Sanchez when he was at Brighton, and he delivered in the Club World Cup. You could see he was very focused and at the level we expect him to be.
But for sure, Chelsea were looking for options. I think they were looking at Mike Maignan as well to see if there was a possibility. So I know that they are looking at this position for options, but there aren't so many available that could be better than Robert Sanchez.
Because of that, it was also smart to avoid disturbing Sanchez when you cannot secure someone better than him. So at this point, there's no question mark around the goalkeeper position, but I think the club is open to big opportunities, but at the right price.
So I think it might happen later, but like I said, the year before the World Cup, you don't want to take risks when you are settled. Hopefully, this kind of move could happen next season, but he's a top, top, top goalkeeper.
Maignan
Mike Maignan should still be a target for Chelsea. Everyone knows his goalkeeping qualities, and I think what he shows with the French national team is leadership and character.
This is something that could impact a team like Chelsea – to have someone experienced who has a good work ethic and who can give that confidence to the defensive aspect of the game.
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