Rio Ferdinand says Chelsea could end up missing out on a place in the top four of the Premier League this season under Thomas Tuchel, but would not be surprised if they did earn a Champions League place.
The Blues can leapfrog Liverpool into the top four with a win against Newcastle after Jurgen Klopp's side fell to a third-straight victory against Leicester City on Saturday.
Chelsea are unbeaten since Tuchel's January arrival after Frank Lampard's tenure came to an end with the Blues struggling to keep up the chase for a European spot.
Tuchel's side face Newcastle on Monday night at Stamford Bridge, with a trip to Southampton at the weekend coming before the Champions League gets back underway against Atletico Madrid next week.
With just 15 games remaining of the Premier League season for Chelsea, there is still time to cement a place in the top four, but Ferdinand feels that they may have left themselves too much to do across the next three months.
"I think there's a bit too much to do maybe," Ferdinand told BT Sport.
"Leicester are still a fairly consistent team and I think the other teams will just be able to stay ahead of them.
"I think Tuchel will get it right there, I do like him as a manager. I think the players have taken to him immediately but I think there will be a little bit to do maybe to get in there.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they did, but that’s what I've gone for.
"I think the remit is 100 per cent Champions League football at a minimum once he's gone in there. We'll have to see with the way that regime is run he could get the sack.
"I think Frank's sitting at home saying I could've got that team in the top four."
