According to Metro, former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Chelsea still has a long way to go before becoming a "complete team" and is not strong enough to win the Premier League.

The appointment of Enzo Maresca as manager, combined with the club's major summer signings and transfer strategy changes, has reignited optimism among fans. These signs reflect Chelsea's determination to return to the top of the league.

Chelsea's 3-2 opening day victory over Fulham gives plenty of reason for optimism. Maresca's attacking trio of João Félix, Moisés Caicedo, and Cole Palmer all scored.

Before facing Luton in the League Cup second round on Thursday evening, Chelsea will look to carry their positive momentum into their next Premier League match at home against Brighton.

However, questions remain about Chelsea's defense and goalkeeper position as the season begins. Much-criticized Robert Sánchez bore significant responsibility for Fulham's two goals at Craven Cottage.

Hasselbaink told talkSPORT about the team's performance: "The three points were important, Chelsea played very well, and at times showed excellent performances."

"But at other moments, I thought 'oh!' The team needs to fix these issues quickly, and I mean immediately."

"If Chelsea can keep clean sheets regularly, then they have a chance of winning the title."

When asked about Sánchez's inconsistent performances, Hasselbaink continued: "Should we replace him? He's had some very good games... very, very good games."

"For example, like against Paris Saint-Germain or other matches. But there have been poor moments too."

"Consistency... the best goalkeepers are consistent. They are consistent, consistent, and always consistent."

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

"The first goal Fulham scored—he himself would admit his performance wasn't good enough."

According to reports, Chelsea has begun negotiations with Aston Villa over Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to complete a deal before the transfer deadline next Tuesday.

Hasselbaink added: "If you have money to spend, you could potentially bring in one of the best goalkeepers and replace him. Because you need to be champions."

"But that's not the issue here."

When asked if Chelsea can win the title with Sánchez in goal, the former Dutch international replied: "If they eventually win it, Sánchez will need to improve significantly from the level he showed in that first match."

Hasselbaink believes Chelsea have every chance of finishing above Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool this season, and that the absence of European football will help them.

However, the Dutchman is convinced that Arsenal is by far the strongest team in the league and should be considered the favorites for the title.

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

"Arsenal are much stronger, mentally ahead, and much more mature. Arsenal's development process is further along and more stable."

"Chelsea have a new manager and new tactical philosophy with a five-man defense system. They did well on Monday, but they're not yet a finished team."

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

"I think they'll perform better than Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool this year, but that's only because they're playing league matches week in and week out."

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