Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has said the current squad is “not the same” as the ones in the past that won trophies.
The Blues were two points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League table before Christmas.
However, their form has since dropped off, and Maresca’s men have taken just nine points from their last eight games.
This poor run has effectively ended any faint hopes of a title challenge, and Chelsea are now battling to finish in the Champions League places instead.
Maresca, who arrived last summer, is aware that expectations remain high at Stamford Bridge, given the club’s history of challenging for major silverware. However, he insists the team is in transition ahead of Friday night’s trip to Brighton.
“They [the fans] are 100 per cent fair and correct,” Maresca told reporters.
“I grew up watching Chelsea winning games and competitions, but this Chelsea is not the same as that one.
“We are not ready to compete in four competitions in one season at this moment.
“But I completely understand the fans. It’s normal for them to think that way. When you have seen your club competing and winning titles over the years, it’s natural to react like that. I don’t think this Chelsea can be compared to that Chelsea. Our goal, our duty, is to bring this club back to competing in four competitions, but at this moment, we are not ready.”
