Chelsea Legend EXPLODES on Star Player After Embarrassing Carabao Cup Display! (Words on the street)
Chelsea legend Joe Cole has offered sharp criticism of one of the club’s players following their 5-0 triumph over Barrow in the Carabao Cup third round. Despite the comfortable win, Cole was unimpressed, declaring, “He’s been a complete failure and embarrassment to the club. Even in a match against Barrow, he contributed nothing over the full 90 minutes! How is he still in this team? It’s time to part ways — he needs to go immediately! If he can’t deliver when it counts, there’s no reason for him to stay. We must move on before he causes more damage.”
Chelsea fans echoed Cole’s sentiments on social media, particularly targeting center-back Benoit Badiashile, despite the team’s commanding victory. The match, which took place on September 24, marked Enzo Maresca’s debut Carabao Cup appearance as Chelsea manager at Stamford Bridge, where the team cruised to victory.
Christopher Nkunku stole the spotlight with a hat-trick, netting goals in the 8th, 15th, and 75th minutes. New signing Pedro Neto also got on the scoresheet in the 48th minute, while an own goal from Barrow’s goalkeeper, Paul Farman, in the 28th minute sealed the comprehensive win.
However, the strong result didn’t stop fans from criticizing Badiashile’s defensive performance. Despite his eight clearances, two interceptions, and one tackle, his six instances of losing possession drew frustration from fans. Many took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice their displeasure, with some questioning his future at the club.
One fan commented, “Badiashile is lucky to be at this club,” while another bluntly stated, “Badiashile is actually terrible.” Others wondered what had happened to the once-promising defender, with one saying, “What’s happened to Badiashile, man?”
A particularly disgruntled supporter compared Badiashile to former Chelsea players, lamenting, “The fact that Badiashile is still here is why I struggle with this club. We let Azpilicueta leave, kept someone who’s been more injured than fit, and still rely on Thiago Silva for this? I’ll never forgive him for that own goal.”
Talks also emerged about potential replacements for Badiashile, with some fans bringing up Chelsea’s rumored interest in Barcelona defender Jules Kounde. “What do you think about Chelsea’s links to Kounde?” asked one fan, with another responding, “Wouldn’t be a bad move if Badiashile or Disasi leaves.”
However, reports indicate that Chelsea is no longer pursuing Kounde. Initially eyed as a replacement for Reece James, who has been sidelined with injury since May 15, Kounde has become a key player for Barcelona under manager Hansi Flick. He’s featured in every minute of the season so far, contributing one goal and one assist in seven games.
Due to Kounde’s growing importance to the Barcelona squad, the club has stated he is not for sale, and he is expected to stay until his contract expires in June 2027. Chelsea has since turned its attention to Fiorentina’s Michael Kayode as a more financially viable alternative.
