By Emeka Blast 
‘Don’t Get Carried Away’ — Carragher Urges Chelsea Fans to Stay Grounded After Friendlies
Liverpool legend and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has issued a sobering warning to Chelsea fans, urging them not to get carried away with the team’s impressive pre-season victories as the 2025/26 Premier League season looms. Speaking on Sky Sports on August 10, 2025, following Chelsea’s 4-1 thrashing of AC Milan in a friendly, Carragher tempered the growing optimism among Blues supporters, emphasizing the gap between pre-season success and the grueling demands of competitive football. His remarks have sparked debate, with some fans appreciating his realism while others defend Chelsea’s newfound momentum under manager Enzo Maresca.
“I know a lot of Chelsea fans are buzzing because the team has been winning their friendly matches, but let’s be honest — that doesn’t mean they’re ready to win the Premier League,” Carragher said. “In pre-season, most opponents aren’t going full throttle; the games don’t have real stakes. Once the Premier League starts, it’s a completely different level — every team is fighting for points and the competition is brutal.” Chelsea’s pre-season campaign has been stellar, with wins over Paris Saint-Germain, Club América, and AC Milan, fueled by new signings Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, alongside Cole Palmer’s playmaking. However, Carragher cautioned that these results, while promising, don’t guarantee success against battle-hardened Premier League rivals.
The warning comes as Chelsea prepare for their season opener against Manchester City on August 17, 2025, a match that will test Maresca’s revamped squad. The Blues’ pre-season form, including a 3-0 rout of Aston Villa and a 2-1 victory over Toulouse, has fueled optimism, with fans on X buzzing about a potential title challenge. @CFCFanatic tweeted, “Carragher’s just hating! Chelsea’s squad looks unstoppable. #BlueIsTheColour,” while @Blue_Footy countered, “Jamie’s got a point. Pre-season is one thing, but City and Arsenal won’t roll over like Milan did.” Carragher’s comments draw on historical context, noting that Chelsea’s 2023 pre-season wins under Mauricio Pochettino didn’t translate to league success, with the team finishing sixth in 2023/24.
Analysts have mixed views. Seye Omidiora of Pulse Sports Nigeria told The PUNCH, “Carragher’s right to urge caution. Pre-season is about fitness and tactics, not trophies. Chelsea’s young squad needs to prove itself when points are at stake.” However, former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, speaking on BBC Sport, argued, “Maresca’s system is clicking, and the new signings add depth. Chelsea could surprise skeptics like Carragher.” The debate is further complicated by the uncertain future of striker Nicolas Jackson, whose potential departure has raised concerns about Chelsea’s attacking options, as reported in recent transfer rumors.
On X, reactions were polarized. @NaijaGist posted, “Carragher throwing cold water on Chelsea’s vibe. Is he right or just salty? #PremierLeague2025,” while @TruthSeekerNG noted, “Pre-season wins got Arsenal fans hyped last year, and they choked. Chelsea fans, listen to Jamie.” With Maresca integrating a host of new players and facing a brutal early schedule, including matches against Arsenal and Liverpool in September, Carragher’s caution underscores the challenges ahead. Chelsea’s last Premier League title came in 2016/17, and fans are eager to end the drought, but history suggests pre-season form can be deceptive.
