Chelsea icon names Enzo Maresca's biggest problem this season

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin has emphasised the importance of Champions League qualification for the club, suggesting that their current business model could be deemed a failure if they miss out on a top-four finish. 

The Blues have enjoyed a strong start to the season under manager Enzo Maresca, but have faltered in recent weeks, leaving them 10 points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

Nevin, who made 193 appearances for the Blues during his playing career, believes that securing Champions League football is vital for the club's long-term ambitions. 

He highlighted the competitive nature of the race for the top four, with several teams vying for a place in next season's competition.

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Nevin has identified Newcastle United as Chelsea's main rivals in the race for Champions League qualification, with Eddie Howe’s men one point behind the Blues. 

"I watched Newcastle last weekend, and they made nine changes, and they didn't look that much weaker,” the former Scotland international said to Sports Mole. “A bit weaker, [Alexander] Isak is a big miss, but other than that, they looked OK.

"That's where Chelsea would like to be. To be honest, Newcastle may well be Chelsea's biggest problem, because they're riding their coattails, four of their next five games are at home in the league in Newcastle, and they're very good there at home, and they have got the type of balanced squad now that Chelsea would like to have.”

Chelsea's next Premier League match is against Bournemouth on Tuesday evening. Dropped points could see them overtaken by Newcastle, who play Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday.