Chelsea have blown title hopes, insists Frank Leboeuf

16 December 2010 00:59
Frank Leboeuf has written off Chelsea's championship chances and former centre-back partner Marcel Desailly has also cast doubt on their hopes of retaining the Barclays Premier League.[LNB]The Blues are currently on their longest winless streak in the league for a decade, having failed to record a victory for five matches, and slumping from top spot to fourth in the table.[LNB] Missing his chance: Didier Drogba misses his last gasp penalty for Chelsea at Tottenham last weekend[LNB]Desailly and Leboeuf marshalled the Chelsea defence the last time the club went on such a poor run, during the middle of which manager Gianluca Vialli was sacked.[LNB]Leboeuf, who spent five years at Stamford Bridge until 2001, rejected suggestions an improved performance in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Tottenham heralded the 'turning point' in the champions' season.[LNB]He added: 'It is hard for me to criticise my former club but I said at the beginning of the season that I didn't think they would be winning the championship.[LNB]'I love them but I really feel they are at the end of the cycle.[LNB]'When I saw them flying at the top, I wondered if I knew anything about football any more but now we are seeing the truth and reality of that club and those players.[LNB]'They need to do something at the end of the season where they will need to sell and buy players.[LNB]'Of course, they didn't have a bad game against Spurs but one or two years ago that match would have been won by Chelsea.[LNB]'I really feel Chelsea is not Chelsea any more. I am sad about that. We need a new Chelsea for next season.'[LNB]Desailly, who spent six years at at the club and played alongside Leboeuf both in their 2000 FA Cup triumph and France's 1998 World Cup final win, added: 'When you look at the games at the beginning of the season, you thought, 'Wow, Chelsea are going to crush the Premier League from beginning to end'.[LNB]'It's been six weeks really where Chelsea have been awful.[LNB] Back in the day: Leboeuf playing for Chelsea in a FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest in 2000[LNB]'I am annoyed they haven't been able to bring in a top-class player who can improve the energy of the team.[LNB]'It looks like Chelsea want to bring their young players into the team but they have not had enough experience to hold the team together.[LNB]'I am not sure if Chelsea will be able to win the title but they will be around the top.'[LNB]Vialli was axed after a four-match winless run - which eventually went to six games - but Desailly rubbished suggestions current boss Carlo Ancelotti might suffer the same fate.[LNB]'I laugh a little bit when I hear this because three months ago he was the man of the moment,' Desailly said.[LNB]It's not going according to plan: Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti[LNB]'He helped Chelsea win the league and the FA Cup and could do no wrong.[LNB]'Yes, he is having a difficult time at the moment and I'm sure he doesn't know himself what is going wrong.[LNB]'I'm sure he will build their confidence back up for them to perform well again.'[LNB]Chelsea are now three points behind new leaders Manchester United, having played a game more, ahead of Sunday's crunch clash between the sides.[LNB]Desailly believes the champions' season hinges on the outcome of the game.[LNB]'Yes, definitely,' said the 42-year-old, pointing out injuries tostar players had been costly and heralding the return of Frank Lampardas 'key'.[LNB]'It is a great chance for these players to prove themselves. Whentop-level players have to face other top sides, it is very good forthem as often there is that extra bit of desire.'[LNB]Leboeuf added on ESPN: 'The vertical column of John Terry, MichaelEssien, Lampard and Drogba are back and that's important but it will bea tough game against United.[LNB]'They have to win and then at least draw against Arsenal if they want to keep surviving in the competition.[LNB] 'The positive thing I can say about Chelsea is that they haven't had any luck.'[LNB] Zenit defender Lombaerts on Chelsea radar after impressing against LukakuChelsea captain Terry urges fans to keep faith ahead of United showdownCHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail