Defensive errors have engulfed the Blues since Frank Lampard became manager before the beginning of the 2019/2020 season.
Chelsea conceded 54 league goals last season; the worst record among the Premier League top-10, and Lampard’s men have already shipped out six goals in their opening three matches which includes their horror show at the Hawthorns over the weekend.
The West Londoners secured the services of Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell and Malang Sarr, in an attempt to improve their defense.
Chilwell is nursing an injury he picked during the dying embers of last season and is yet to feature for Chelsea in the Premier League, while Sarr is likely to go on loan to gain experience.
Hasselbaink has opined that his former side must address their defensive frailties before they can be considered as title challengers.
“It’s a big step but you don’t want to become a team that just reacts after the event,” said the former striker as quoted on Metro.
“You want to become a team that does it straight away.
“They needed to react in this manner. It was always about that first goal [in the second half having been 3-0 behind] – can you get it as quickly as possible and then you will make them nervous. They did get it.
“And, yes, they were better in the second half, the intensity was higher but it’s still a work in progress.
“Giving chances away needs to stop otherwise you’re going nowhere.”
