Watch France legend give his views on Arsenal under Arsene Wenger
Wednesday 12 April 2017 08:36, UK
Chelsea legend and former skipper Marcel Desailly insists the Blues are facing a critical couple of weeks during which they must be careful, but has backed them to succeed.
Chelsea face Manchester United on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD, aware that victory would put them to within touching distance of the league title.
Antonio Conte's side currently sit seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, with Tottenham their nearest challengers heading into the final seven games of the campaign.
Retired centre-back Desailly spent six seasons at Stamford Bridge between 1998 and 2004, though he never won the league title with the Blues.
"I'm very pleased [with Chelsea]," Desailly said live on Sky Sports News HQ.
"When you look at last season where it was very difficult with [Jose] Mourinho in charge, a whole lot of controversy and the tactics were not working, this year you change it and have three new players: (N'Golo) Kante, (Marcos) Alonso and (Victor) Moses and you just change a little bit of the tactics, it's just an amazing season for Chelsea.
"We'll see them in the Champions League again, it's just that they have to finish correctly. The FA Cup is there against Tottenham, there are many major important games such as Manchester United this weekend, so you have to be careful.
"These two weeks are the key moments and games for Chelsea but they will make it. There's no reason why the players should shake in front of these various events."
As well as speaking about Chelsea, Desailly gave his opinion on French compatriot Arsene Wenger on Tuesday, after another defeat for the Gunners at Crystal Palace on Monday Night Football revved up the pressure to perhaps its highest point during the Arsenal manager's 21-year reign in charge.
"I've not seen the game [Palace 3-0 Arsenal], but if you've said that they've lost, Arsenal supporters should again be very very disappointed," Desailly added.
"It's not about Wenger, it's about what the chairman wants. They are the ones who have to come out and say something.
"Either we'll keep Arsene because it's the idea, philosophy and projection that they have, or they have to change it and know that it will be two or three difficult years afterwards.
"If you remember this is the fear everyone has, the fact that if tomorrow Arsene goes without preparing the club, because the club is not prepared yet for Arsene to go. So it's a tricky decision and also a tricky desire for Arsenal fans.
"Something is missing at Arsenal, there are no special leaders. You need players who come up and show that, 'yes, we understand and we are going to prove to you that we can achieve something', but it's going to be very difficult."
Marcel Desailly will play for France at Star Sixes, a new world six-a-side tournament for former internationals at The O2, London, July 13-16. Tickets, starting at just £30 adults and £10 U16s, are on sale at: www.starsixes.com
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