Gary Cahill, N’Golo Kante step up to speak on Chelsea’s transfer needs

Gary Cahill and N’Golo Kante need more teammates as they hope to lead Chelsea through two major competitions this season. The captain and the workhorse both spoke about Chelsea’s troublingly small squad after the Community Shield.

Normally when a Chelsea player weighs in on matters of club operations, the manager shortly gets the sack. This time, though, player power – or at least players’ voices – may support Antonio Conte and his calls for more transfers.

Gary Cahill and N’Golo Kante both spoke about the difficulties Chelsea will face this season given the size and strength of the squad. Cahill focussed on the raw numbers and how shallow Chelsea are across the pitch. Kante, meanwhile, noted the gains Chelsea’s rivals have made in the off-season.

“A lot of teams have strengthened, which makes it more difficult,” Kante told the club’s website. Cahill went further in the effect the transfer window will have, particularly how injuries will continue to cut into Chelsea’s quality and depth.

"The back of the programme was interesting. In terms of quality we’ve certainly got that but you have to hope we don’t have too many injuries. Obviously the new players who have just come, they’re going to be vitally important. There’s no doubt we’ve added quality to the team. But with playing more games due to the Champions League this season, the numbers are going to be tested. We just have to keep everybody fit and sharp. – Evening Standard"

Last season, Chelsea were among the best in the Premier League for keeping their players injury-free. The few significant injuries they had were to fringe players who were rarely in the match-day squad, let alone the XI. But injuries will become more common and have greater follow-on effects when the Blues return to the Champions League

Chelsea will start the season without Eden Hazard and Tiemoue Bakayoko because of injury. Their absence was painfully obvious in the Community Shield. The midfield did not supply a strong base to unleash the wing-backs and wingers. The wingers did not have the individual or team creativity to compensate for Hazard’s absence. Nor did they make the necessary runs for Cesc Fabregas to power Chelsea’s chance creation.

Gary Cahill went as far as he could safely go in his comments, which are still commendably bold. In a few respectful sentences he covered the major points of concern that the club’s board seemingly still need to hear.

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Cahill’s opinion carries weight given his years of experience as a player and leader. But as captain, he speaks for the team and on behalf of his manager. If Cahill is saying this, then this is what the players are talking about at Cobham. They are concerned about the team’s fortunes. They are worried about their own health and resiliency given the increased schedule demands. And they may be wondering if they and their manager are getting the support they need from the hierarchy.

Chelsea’s board are now hearing the same thing from everyone who has a microphone. N’Golo Kante gave a player’s perspective. Gary Cahill gave the captain’s perspective on things. Frank Lampard gave a club legend’s perspective, and Steven Gerrard echoed that as a former rival now in the pundit’s chair.

There is very little daylight between what any of them said. The only difference was how their roles restrained how freely and bluntly they could speak. Frank Lampard still hopes to work for Chelsea some day. Gerrard does not, nor does he have any affinity for the Blues, so he could come right out and say it: “You can’t have any sympathy with Chelsea.”

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Chelsea are now in the unusual position of being criticized for not spending enough money, and having players wield their power and position in defence of the manager. Perhaps the players can spur the board to action where the manager could not. But in some ways, that would be even worse for Antonio Conte.