Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Chelsea are still a long way from being a “finished team” and are not yet strong enough to win the Premier League, according to Metro.

With Enzo Maresca appointed as head coach, along with the club's significant summer signings and a change in transfer policy, optimism has been rekindled among the fanbase. These signs indicate Chelsea's urgent desire to return to the top.

Based on Chelsea's 3-2 victory over Fulham in the opening league match, there is plenty of reason for optimism. Chelsea's attacking trio of João Félix, Cole Palmer, and Moisés Caicedo all impressed with their performances.

Chelsea will look to continue their strong form in the Carabao Cup second round against Luton on Thursday evening before returning to Premier League action at home to Brighton.

However, questions remain about Chelsea's defense and goalkeeping position at the start of the 2024/25 season. Much-criticized goalkeeper Robert Sánchez was largely responsible for Fulham's two goals at Craven Cottage.

Former Chelsea striker Hasselbaink, speaking to talkSPORT about the team's performance, said: "The three points were important, and Chelsea played exceptionally well at times, with some good performances."

"But at other times you think, 'Oh!' The team needs to eliminate these issues quickly, and they must be addressed immediately."

"If Chelsea can keep multiple clean sheets, they will have a chance."

Speaking about Sánchez's inconsistent performances, Hasselbaink continued: "Would I replace him? He has also had some excellent games—very, very good games."

"For example, against PSG in the Club World Cup, and in some other matches, but he has also had moments where his performance was not ideal."

"Consistency—the best goalkeepers are consistent, always consistent."

"He needs to find consistency. Can he do it? I don't know, but he has to find consistency."

"Regarding Fulham's first goal, if he were to assess it himself, he would admit that his performance wasn't good enough."

Reports suggest that Chelsea have opened talks with Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez in the hope of completing a deal before the transfer deadline.

Hasselbaink continued: "If you have significant funds to spend, maybe you go and sign the best goalkeeper available and replace him, because you need to become champions."

"But that's not really the issue, is it?"

When asked whether Chelsea could win the title with Sánchez as goalkeeper, the former Dutch international replied: "If they end up winning the title, then Sánchez will have to improve significantly from the level he showed in the first game."

Hasselbaink believes Chelsea have every chance of finishing above Man United, Man City, and Liverpool by the end of the season, and that having no European commitments will help.

However, the Dutchman is convinced that Arsenal are by far the strongest team in the league and should be considered the top favorites to defend their title.

Regarding Chelsea's title hopes, he said: "They will certainly challenge, but they won't win the title."

"Arsenal are much stronger, much further ahead mentally, and far more mature. Their development is also much further along and more stable."

"Chelsea have a new coach and fresh tactical ideas, playing with a back five. They played well, but they are clearly not a finished team yet."

"There's still a lot to do. The situation is very positive right now, but I don't think Chelsea are ready to be champions."

"I do think they will perform better than Man United, Man City, and Liverpool this season, but that is because they only have midweek-to-Saturday fixtures."

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