Legendary former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink doesn't see Chelsea fighting to win the Premier League title this season, indicating 2021/22 will be the true measure of Frank Lampard's side.
The Blues made a shaky start to their domestic campaign as a result of their defensive difficulties, but are now unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions and sit just three points behind leaders Leicester City in the Premier League table.
The club spent big during the summer in order to improve the squad, with Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and Edouard Mendy all making the switch to west London for significant fees.
Despite this, Hasselbaink believes that they have not done enough to be considered genuine title contenders alongside holder Liverpool and Manchester City, and should instead focus on mounting a serious challenge next season.
"I don't think you should put the pressure of an expectation to win the league on Frank Lampard 's shoulders at Chelsea," he said, speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes at its launch of the 5-A-Side Bet on Leeds United v Arsenal.
"Liverpool and Man City are the ones that 'have' to win it. Chelsea have to get close to them. If they do that, then next year you can say they 'have' to win it.
"That's when you can put pressure on Frank. Not now. I think it should be between Liverpool and Man City, still.
"I know Liverpool have some problems at the moment, but their front three is just lethal. Man City are always going to be there or thereabouts."
Hasselbaink scored 87 goals in 177 games for Chelsea and was part of the 2003/04 squad, along with Lampard, which finished second under Claudio Ranieri.
The Blues return to Premier League action following the international break with a trip to Newcastle United on Saturday, before facing Rennes in midweek in their UEFA Champions League group stage encounter.
