Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has voiced serious concerns over Chelsea’s top-four hopes, pointing to defensive frailties as a major barrier. The Blues have struggled at the back this season, conceding 10 goals in just eight Premier League matches, and are coming off their second league defeat, a tough 2-1 loss to Liverpool.

Gallas, a Premier League title winner with Chelsea, didn’t hold back in his assessment. He argues that unless Chelsea address these defensive issues, their hopes for a Champions League spot will be out of reach.

“Chelsea won’t finish in the top four,” Gallas stated bluntly. “The defence is simply not good enough. The second goal that Chelsea conceded at Anfield, I’m sorry to say it, it was like watching an amateur team with amateur players. That defensive line was completely amateur.”

Gallas singled out individual lapses for criticism, pointing to Tosin Adarabioyo and Reece James for mistakes in their latest performance. “Nobody took responsibility. Tosin Adarabioyo, just watching the ball, he doesn’t look behind him. That, for me, is the level of an amateur player, not a Chelsea player,” Gallas said, adding a harsh verdict on Reece James’s failed attempt at playing the offside trap. “Reece James, what are you doing? What a mistake to try and play the offside. It was a cheap goal to give away.”

As Chelsea continue their campaign, these comments from Gallas add to growing concerns among fans and pundits alike. The Blues’ defense will need to improve rapidly if they are to keep their Champions League hopes alive this season.