Di Matteo urges Chelsea to buy experienced players
Chelsea legend, Roberto Di Matteo, has called on the club’s hierarchy to rethink their transfer strategy if they are serious about mounting a Premier League title challenge.
The Blues are enduring a difficult spell after slipping to a fifth consecutive league defeat without scoring, following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Brighton.
It marks the first time since 1912 that the club have gone through such a goal drought, with head coach Liam Rosenior coming under increasing pressure from frustrated supporters, some of whom called for his dismissal during the game.
Speaking after the match, Di Matteo, who famously led Chelsea to their first UEFA Champions League triumph in 2012, attributed the team’s inconsistency to the youthful nature of the squad, while stressing the need for greater experience.
He also suggested that recent comments from the club’s ownership hinted at possible changes in recruitment policy.
“I think the owner just said it last week. On the weekend he said that they’re probably going to look at changing the transfer policy a little bit,” Di Matteo told AFP.
“I think it’s vital. If you want to have a little bit more consistency, if you want to be able to challenge, maybe for the Premier League, you need to have a good balance.
“You need very good, young, talented players, but you also need a little bit of experience within the team.”
Reflecting on the challenges faced by the current manager, he added, “You take over a team that was built for a different coach, with a different system,” he said.
“It’s always hard to be able to put your print on the team during mid-season. Everybody expects you to get it going straight away.
“I guess next season we’ll be able to see his team make some adjustments to the way the team (plays) or (bring in) the players to play his system.”
