In the ever-evolving landscape of the Premier League, Chelsea, under the helm of Mauricio Pochettino, has encountered a turbulent start in the current campaign. The team's performance, marked by just one win in their initial four top-flight matches, including defeats to West Ham and Nottingham Forest, has left them languishing in the lower echelons of the English top-flight table.
Begovic, a former Stoke and Chelsea goalkeeper, who donned the Stamford Bridge colours occasionally between 2015 and 2017, has not held back in his assessment of his former club's current state. Despite a substantial investment of £425 million in the summer transfer market, Chelsea's squad has come under scrutiny, with Begovic categorising it as "mid-table" quality.
Begovic's critique, voiced on the Byline podcast, raises questions about the Blues' recruitment strategy and the direction the West London club is taking. He acknowledges the undeniable talent of players like Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer but remains perplexed by the overarching recruitment approach and the perceived need for a rebuilding process.
"Why is Chelsea Football Club in a transition?" Begovic wonders aloud, reflecting on the club's storied history and its reputation as one of the premier footballing destinations in the world.
"I, honestly, I mean in the last 12 months... What has happened at Chelsea Football Club? It just beggars belief," Begovic said. "I mean the squad of players at Pochettino's disposal, the amount of money spent is 12th in the league - it's mid-table! It is literally mid-table. If they were any higher you would be working miracles.
"You have a bit of luck with [Christopher] Nkunku, I get it, he's a top player. Cole Palmer has only just come in. But what is going on with the recruitment of these players? Why is Chelsea Football Club rebuilding?
"Why is Chelsea Football Club in a transition? This is one of the best. I mean I've been there. I'm proud to have been there. It's one of the best locations to play football in the world."
As the September international break draws to a close, Chelsea fans await the club's return to action with a fixture against Bournemouth on the horizon. The candid remarks by Begovic add to the ongoing discourse surrounding Chelsea's decisions, igniting debates about the future trajectory of the club in the footballing realm.