Former Bayern Munich and Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has warned that Chelsea’s young squad lacks the experience needed to compete in the Champions League and other major tournaments.

Hargreaves made the comments after Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday night. The Blues fell behind early following an own goal from Trevoh Chalobah and a Harry Kane penalty. Cole Palmer pulled one back for Enzo Maresca’s side, but Kane sealed Bayern’s win with a fine finish at the Allianz Arena.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Hargreaves said Chelsea’s midfield trio of Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Cole Palmer was strong, but the defence needs reinforcements if the club wants to compete at the highest level.

He suggested the Blues move for Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace and England defender who came through Chelsea’s academy and has been linked with Liverpool. Guehi’s contract at Palace runs until 2026, but Hargreaves believes he could be the reliable presence Chelsea’s young backline needs.

“Marc Guehi… I know he was a Chelsea academy boy but somebody like that, super reliable, you can just pop him in, mentor the young boys,” Hargreaves said.

“Having these young guys is amazing but they need a mentor – that Thiago Silva type, maybe a bit younger – to guide them in tough games like this, away in Munich where it’s very challenging.”

He also reflected on Chelsea’s past glory years, when experienced players like Petr Čech, Ricardo Carvalho, and John Terry formed the backbone of the team, helping the Blues dominate in England and Europe.

Chelsea will now look to bounce back when they face Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend.