Leboeuf: Chelsea’s defense is too poor, Martinez will soon grow frustrated if things continue

Speaking to ESPNFC, Leboeuf said Chelsea’s defensive issues could soon make new goalkeeper Martinez unhappy with his teammates.

The new-look Chelsea side lost 2-1 to Arsenal on Sunday. Chelsea failed to hold onto Morgan Rogers’ early lead and were unable to withstand Arsenal’s attacking pressure, with Odegaard’s performance helping Arsenal secure the victory.

Chelsea’s new goalkeeper Damian Martinez performed well enough to prevent Arsenal from extending their lead after goals from Havertz and Odegaard. Martinez was partly responsible for the equalizer from Havertz due to his near-post defense, while he could do nothing about Odegaard’s winning goal because Chelsea’s still-developing defense left him exposed.

Chelsea have conceded seven goals in their first three Premier League matches this season. Leboeuf believes the new signing from Aston Villa cannot solve all of the team’s defensive problems on his own.

Leboeuf said: “He has to get everyone really running. The situation is a bit bad, the players don’t know what they are supposed to do. I think Damian Martinez will get frustrated very quickly. He has not said anything yet because he has just signed and may not want to appear impolite, but soon he will start shouting at his teammates because it is too difficult.”

“Especially Fofana, he does not know what to do. On the left side, there is Hato helping him, but it is not the same for Josh Acheampong’s side. He cannot rely on Matheus Neto, and more often it is Lavia helping out.”

“They have to work better together and communicate with each other. In my view, Lacroix should partner Colwill and do something for the others. The others are somewhat lost, maybe because they lack experience, maybe because they are not good enough, or maybe because they are too young.”

“But they have to build chemistry. If you want to achieve something, you know this. Chelsea have already shown that the teams that won trophies in the past had to defend well. With that foundation, they could then compete for something.”

“They are very strong in attack, but once they concede, they become extremely vulnerable. This is exactly where they need to improve. They can threaten any team at any time, but sometimes matches become open to an unacceptable level. You cannot concede goals, otherwise you will be in danger.”