William Gallas: Chelsea have become an 'average club' under Todd Boehly

Gallas, who was a key figure during Chelsea's successful years, lamented that the team have now become "average" compared to its illustrious past.

Gallas's criticism extended to the current squad, asserting that the players would not make it into the teams from the club's glory days.

"Chelsea have been suffering from the same problems for the last two years and I really can't understand how the owners and the people that look after the football operations haven't addressed them," Gallas told Genting Casino.

"We've seen so many changes at the club over the last couple of years and I don't think the club are any closer to challenging for the Premier League title, and I would seriously doubt Chelsea's ability to qualify for the Champions League this season.

"These players aren't good enough to win a Premier League title, and that should always be the aim of a club like Chelsea.

"Are they good enough to qualify for the Champions League? We will find out this season, but I have serious doubts.

"Chelsea have gone from a club that used to win everything to a club that wins nothing under the new ownership.

"It's upsetting to say that I can't see that changing anytime soon when I look at the squad.

"We look like an average club, and that is really difficult for me to say. I don't recognise this version of Chelsea anymore."

This assessment comes in the wake of a challenging period for Chelsea since Boehly and the Clearlake Capital group took over from Roman Abramovich in the summer of 2022.

Over £1billion has been invested by Boehly and Clearlake Capital to revamp the Chelsea squad.

Despite this substantial expenditure, the club have struggled to make a significant impact. Chelsea finished a disappointing 12th in the Premier League last season, following a sixth-place finish the previous year.

Additionally, the team had a lacklustre pre-season, managing only one victory in six friendly matches.

As the 2024-25 Premier League season looms, Chelsea will face Manchester City in their opening game on Sunday.