Garnacho’s Chelsea Confidence Criticized After West Ham Loss

Alejandro Garnacho’s Confidence at Chelsea Under Scrutiny After Tough West Ham Defeat

Alejandro Garnacho’s confidence at Chelsea has come under intense scrutiny following a difficult performance against West Ham, with former Manchester United star Gary Neville claiming the winger’s self-belief is “shot to pieces.” The 21-year-old Argentine, who made a high-profile £40 million move from Manchester United to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2025, has struggled to settle and make a significant impact for the Blues.

Alejandro Garnacho’s Confidence at Chelsea Hits New Low

Garnacho’s transition from Old Trafford to Chelsea was expected to elevate his career, but the reality in London has been far from ideal. In 26 appearances across all competitions, he has managed just six goals, with only one coming in the Premier League. His recent start against West Ham saw him unable to contain threats down his flank, and he was substituted at halftime as Chelsea trailed 2-0. Despite the team’s eventual 3-2 comeback win, questions have been raised about Garnacho’s role and contribution.

Neville’s Candid Assessment of Garnacho’s Struggles

Gary Neville, speaking on his Sky Sports podcast after providing co-commentary for the match, did not mince words about Garnacho’s performance. “West Ham dominated the first half, especially down Chelsea’s left side. Garnacho looked completely lacking in confidence—his first touch was negative, he passed backwards, and repeatedly lost possession. It was a very uncomfortable experience for him and left-back Jorrel Hato,” Neville explained.

Neville, who watched Garnacho develop at Manchester United, questioned whether the young winger can be considered top-class and highlighted the pressure he faces at Chelsea. He said, “Garnacho divides opinion. Some still believe in his talent, but he’s clearly struggling to find his place and rhythm in this Chelsea side.”

Managerial Changes and Team Dynamics at Chelsea

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior made seven changes to his starting lineup following a Champions League triumph over Napoli. While such rotation is a bold move and a sign of trust in the squad, Neville argued that the sheer number of changes may have unsettled the players. Despite this, Rosenior backed his young talent, including Garnacho, Jamie Gittins, and Liam Delap, to step up. However, Neville noted, “Too many changes can sometimes disrupt the flow, especially for players like Garnacho who are trying to build form and confidence.”

Chelsea’s Fight for Champions League Qualification

The Blues currently sit fifth in the Premier League, just a point behind Manchester United in fourth. Neville suggested that, while Chelsea have shown resilience—coming back from 2-0 down against West Ham and winning in Napoli—they still lack consistency. “They have the quality to challenge for the top five, but they’re not the finished article. They can look disjointed at times, like an under-10s side, then suddenly display flashes of real class,” Neville remarked.

Looking ahead, Chelsea face a crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal, trailing 3-2 on aggregate. Their ability to bounce back will be tested as they aim for a trophy and a top-five league finish.

Opinion: Patience Needed for Garnacho’s Chelsea Journey

Alejandro Garnacho’s confidence at Chelsea is clearly under strain, but it’s important to remember the challenges young players face when adapting to a new club, league, and expectations. While criticism is inevitable, Garnacho has shown flashes of immense potential. With continued trust from the manager and a more stable environment, there is every chance he can rediscover his form and become a key asset for Chelsea. For a promising talent of his caliber, patience and support are essential ingredients for long-term success.

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