Pundit Joe Cole has told BT Sport 4 that Hakim Ziyech is struggling as a Chelsea player, following the club’s defeat in the Champions League.
The Blues fell to an uninspiring 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb, as they kicked off their European campaign in the worst way possible.
The Moroccan has struggled for appearances this season, making just one start in the away defeat to Southampton.
His performance that day was rightfully called out, with many believing the noise regarding his potential exit from the club wasn’t necessary based on his display.
Unfortunately for Ziyech, things got no better last night as he endured a difficult second half, being noticeably poor in a team where no one stood out for the right reasons.
Not clicking for Ziyech
Cole claimed the winger, who was pushing for a move to Ajax over the summer, failed to take his chance, leaving Thomas Tuchel able to now backup his decision to not start him.
He said: “Those players have come in tonight and haven’t taken their chance so at least he can tell them now that’s why they’re not playing. Ziyech, he’s got a lot of talent but for one reason or another it’s not clicking for him at Chelsea.
“He wasn’t at his best and he hasn’t been at his best. He’s trying hard and trying to make things happen but it’s not happening for him. It’s a bad night for the club. It’s a massive shock.”
Tuchel himself doesn’t leave Croatia without taking his portion of the blame, and he has already accepted his responsibility in what is another embarrassing defeat for the Blues.
The Blues can only look forward now to the West London derby against Fulham this weekend, while their break from Champions League duties will only last a week before their now-massive match with RB Salzburg at Stamford Bridge.