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Top 5 Chelsea conclusions after the PSG loss

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: David Luiz of Paris Saint Germain hugs Mikel John Obi of Chelsea at the end of the UEFA Champions League match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge on March 9, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: David Luiz of Paris Saint Germain hugs Mikel John Obi of Chelsea at the end of the UEFA Champions League match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge on March 9, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: John Mikel Obi of Chelsea reacts during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on March 5, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 05: John Mikel Obi of Chelsea reacts during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on March 5, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

5. Chelsea needs a defensive midfield overhaul

The tandem of Cesc Fabregas and John Obi Mikel looked out of their depth against PSG’s midfield. Neither is going to improve given their age, so it’s reasonable to think Chelsea are going to need to fix their double-pivot via the transfer market.

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Fabregas can be an excellent midfielder on his day, but his lack of athleticism limits his effectiveness against elite attackers. At best, he needs to be partnered with a real destroyer.

Mikel has that style to his game, he just isn’t a good enough player to hold down a starting spot for Chelsea. Depending on who the Blues bring in as their next manager, Mikel figures to be playing his football somewhere other than Stamford Bridge next year.

Optimistic Chelsea fans will hope that Nemanja Matic will regain his form from last year, but the fact that Hiddink left him on the bench for such a crucial match doesn’t speak well of his current status. He too, may be past his prime at this point in his career.

Look for Chelsea to spend big to fix their issues in defensive midfield. At the very least, they need one defensive-minded player to cover for the deficiencies of Cesc Fabregas.

Next: 4. Chelsea's young talent isn't quite ready for the big time

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