Exclusive Interview with Geremi: Chelsea, Premier League Predictions and Champions League Insights

Last updated: by Liam Reaney

Former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder Geremi joins the Best Betting Sites team to share his thoughts on the Premier League season ahead, Chelsea’s title ambitions, and Champions League prospects. In this exclusive interview, Geremi discusses Cole Palmer’s rise, his time at Newcastle and Middlesbrough, African talent in the Premier League, and reflects on his playing days alongside Frank Lampard, John Terry and other legends.

Chelsea

You played alongside a prime Frank Lampard during your time at Chelsea. Are there any similarities between Lampard and Cole Palmer you could draw?

The similarity I see between Frank and Palmer is that they are both goal scorers. They can score at any time during the game. But when you look at the way Frank used to play his role, he was a No. 8, a player who would go from box to box. He was an older style English player. But Palmer is more of an attacking player with a lot of technical quality. The similarity between them is that they’re both dangerous all the time, and they are great goalscorers.

Palmer seems like a great personality. You were also famous for your personality as well as your ability, always bringing unity and positivity to every changing room. How important is it to have those kinds of personalities in a dressing room? Do you see a bit of yourself in Palmer?

I can see the similarity between us in some ways. Football can unite the world, it’s a universal sport, and that’s one of the things I love about it. When you look at a football team, it’s always made up of lots of different players from different cultures.

Sometimes the contract is a couple of years, sometimes longer, but for that season you will all be team-mates. You have to try to get in touch with everyone, form good relationships with them all. At the end of the day, you have to become a family to succeed.

When I was at Chelsea, that’s how we were. We trained together, travelled together, slept in the same places. We’d eat together – everything we did, we were always together. So those teammates would become your family, and if you’re clever, you learn to take care and note of those around you. You have to consider them like you would your family or your brother. If something happens to them, you have to be one of the first to intervene, to help. It’s important to have that connection, a good relationship with people. So I hope Cole Palmer has that in the same way I did.

How did you judge Palmer’s performances at the Club World Cup? Particularly his two goals in the final.

I thought Palmer was fantastic – nothing short of fantastic. I watched the game against Paris Saint-Germain, and I was shocked. At that moment, PSG were the team to beat, they were winning everything. But then Chelsea shocked them and surprised a lot of people with that performance.

When I watched the game, I was impressed. Chelsea didn’t get lucky; they didn’t scrape a result. They were convincing winners. They deserved it, and Cole Palmer was the man of the match. He showed his qualities, that he’s a great player. He showed great technical ability on the day. It was a huge performance.

Do you think Chelsea have what it takes to win the Premier League this season – what do they have to do better than last season?

They definitely have the squad not just to challenge the top four, but to win the Premier League. You need a big squad, and you need a strong bench.

When you win the league, it’s because of the whole squad. You look at their first XI and of course, they are strong, but they have young and talented players ready to come in. Players who can make a difference – that is the most important factor over the long haul of a title challenge. You need that, especially in the Premier League.

Is the PL game against Manchester United a must-win?

I think for Chelsea, it’s a must-win. They’re in a good position to do it, and I think they can. But I think it’s more than just the three points that matter here.

They have to send a message to show they want to win at the big clubs, not just pick up a draw. They need to show that they come to win, and they’re coming to win the title.

I think if you go away to big sides and you make it known you’re looking to win, not draw, it sends a message.

Did Chelsea make a mistake by letting Nicolas Jackson join Bayern Munich?

Yes, I think overall it’s an error to let him join Bayern Munich. If you want to compete in all the big tournaments, you need a big squad.

Now, Chelsea are looking to be one of those teams that are contenders every year and they need strength in depth, but they have lost a talented striker.

Of course, the other consideration is that I heard he wasn’t really happy. And it’s always tough to keep a player who is unhappy, it often is a mistake. He understandably might not have been interested in playing as a back-up. Given he was unsettled, I understand why they let him go, but it could still backfire on them.

Thoughts on Bayern/Chelsea

Of course, because I’m a blue, I’m backing Chelsea. There’s no doubt in my mind. I think Chelsea showed last year at the Club World Cup, and then so far this season, that they have a really strong squad. They’re able to compete against the biggest sides in the world. They don’t have to think twice anymore or be worried. For them, this is the tournament where they have to prove their quality again, but after their Europa Conference League and Club World Cup glory, they’re used to those expectations and pressures now. So I think Chelsea will win, for sure.

Champions League

Who do you think will win the Champions League this season?

It’s a very, very tough question. I’m not a betting man, but I think this time it’ll be the same contenders as it was last season. I think Paris Saint-Germain are in contention, as are Barcelona and Real Madrid.

In England, Chelsea now have a very strong squad, and they can compete against any side without fear. Manchester City will be very strong again, I think. I think last year’s semi-finalists will all be in with a shout too.

As for who comes out on top, I think it’s too difficult to say for sure right now.

What players are the big attractions in the Champions League?

Until the tournament really gets underway, everyone is in with a chance of dominating the competition. But this year, I’m looking at some youngsters to really breakthrough and assert themselves.

It’s the strongest competition in Europe, and probably the world. Lamine Yamal will be coming in strong. Mo Salah will again be one of the fixtures at Liverpool. Another player I am expecting a lot from is Erling Haaland at Manchester City.

I think Yamal is the young player who will step up, while Salah and Haaland are the established and mature stars. Then, of course, we’ve got Ousmane Dembele, who could be ready to do it all again for PSG.

Which Premier League side do you expect to go furthest in the Champions League?

They’ve all got such strong squads. Liverpool have a strong squad, and so do Manchester City. I think looking at the Club World Cup, Chelsea have already shown how they can compete in tournaments against clubs from other countries.

Liverpool, with the signings they have made, they’re looking amazing. City will definitely be coming back stronger than last year. Arsenal, I think they will be dangerous, because they came so close last season.

None of these teams have a reason to fear their opponents this year, but from what they’ve shown already this year, I’m backing Chelsea to go the furthest.

African Players

Do you think Andre Onana made a mistake by asking for a raise at Manchester United?

I think he’s made the right decision (to leave the club). It’s a good outcome for him, because he had to go somewhere he could play a lot, without too much pressure. He needs the confidence from regular football, and at his age, he has to play.

He took a lot of the blame when United were struggling, but honestly when you look at the squad there, he was hardly the only player who wasn’t impressing. Even now they’re struggling this season without him. I saw them against Manchester City, and they were poor again then.

At Trabzonspor, he can rediscover his best form, and he’ll be able to play for Cameroon as we prepare for the African Cup of Nations. I saw in his first game he was man of the match, so there’s no doubting that there’s still a very good goalkeeper in there somewhere.

Carlos Baleba was linked with Manchester United; has he got the quality to succeed under pressure there?

I think it’s a pity that Manchester United didn’t manage to sign him, because this guy is the future. When you look at him, he’s definitely got the ability. I can’t call him the best midfielder just yet, but he’s ready to prove it on a bigger stage.

But when you take a good player and improve the quality of those around him, then they improve even more quickly. For all the problems at United right now, I think Baleba would have benefited from that step up. He really is going to be the next top player. I’ve watched him a few times, and I hope he has good people around to advise him.

He can play with both feet, and at his young age, what he needs to focus on is his decision-making. What we need to see is that he has the awareness and maturity to make the right decisions consistently. If he keeps up with that, he’ll be a very good player.

Perhaps United will come back in for him. But even if it’s another club, the important thing is that he doesn’t let his performances drop down. If he keeps playing like this, he’ll get his big move.

Do you think Bryan Mbuemo can be top scorer at Manchester United this season?

I’m hoping for the best for Bryan Mbuemo at Manchester United. He’s shown the goods last year at Brentford, who are a smaller team, by reputation at least.

He proved he has an eye for goal, and I think he’s scored already for United, so he’s started well. Now he’s alongside some better players, but there is always that question about anyone who joins United right now. They might be good players, but the club still struggles every week.

I’ve seen him put in some excellent performances, so that is encouraging for me. I think he’s still on an upward trajectory and he could make the difference for the club this season. He’s probably been United’s best player in these opening games.

Would you rather play alongside Didier Drogba or Mo Salah at their peak?

They’re two very different players. They are both of exceptional quality, but if I could, I would love to play with them both.

Can you imagine having Didier Drogba as a No. 9, and then Mo Salah operating around him because he can play every position across the front.

Both of them, when it comes down to it, are greats. They’ve both proved it in their career so far, they’re huge players. You’d kill to be able to play with them both. You always want to play with the big stars.

Does Mo Salah deserve to win the Ballon d’Or?

When you look at what he’s done in the Premier League, you’d have to say he’s one of the contenders to win it this year.

But the problem for Salah is that they didn’t win the Champions League, and a lot of the time now you have to have an international or European trophy to be a Ballon d’Or winner.

So I think he is in with a shout to place in the top five, but he could finish just short.

Is Moises Caicedo the best holding midfielder in the world at the moment, or do you think there are better ones out there?

I think sometimes, we’re in too much of a rush to declare one player or another as the best. I think for now, for Moises Caicedo, we can definitely say he’s doing well. His performances are impressive. It looks like he has adjusted to playing for the club and the step up from Brighton.

To qualify as the best holding midfielder, he will need to improve over the next few years, and right now it’s too soon to say he’s got to the highest level so far. He definitely has the potential – don’t get me wrong. He has the potential to be the very best in the world and now it’s up to him to continue to work his way to the top of his potential.

He needs to keep that consistency he has now and then build on it year by year. That’s how he’ll become a legend at Chelsea. He’s on the right track.

Newcastle

Are Newcastle fans the most passionate you’ve played for?

Without a doubt, Newcastle fans are the most passionate. Newcastle isn’t the biggest city, geographically, but on the day of a game, the city transforms into the club’s colours – just black and white everywhere.

When we played at St. James’ Park, we’d sleep in our homes and come to the hotel on the day of the match, at 10am. On the way there, everything was in black and white, everyone was wearing the kit. Everywhere. If you were a stranger in town, if you were cut off from the news, you’d be certain to know what was going on – a Newcastle game. Everywhere you looked, a fan would be in a shirt.

Do you expect to see them challenging for the title in the next two years?

When you look at the project, with the budget they have and how far they have already come, I think they are definitely close to being Premier League champions. My one worry is that they still found themselves in the position of letting their best player leave.

What did you make of their handling of Alexander Isak’s departure?

I think the problem for Newcastle is that his departure means more than just losing one excellent player. If you want to challenge in Europe or for the Premier League, you just can’t afford to let your best players leave.

Isak was already settled, Newcastle were doing well, and then all of a sudden he decided he wanted to go to Liverpool. For me, it’s a huge loss. Let’s see what their new signings do instead of him.

I don’t think that Wissa will definitely be the man to slot straight in to replace Alexander Isak. He’s a new signing, he needs time to gel, and he has to get over his injury.

It could be a problem for Newcastle if that takes a long time, but he could be a player who adapts quickly, but Newcastle are a big club now. There’s pressure, and for some players that could be just what they need to get to the top of their game.

Thoughts on Newcastle/Barcelona

This is a tough match to predict. On the one hand, we all know that Barcelona has a very good team and an exceptional squad. For Newcastle, it’s important for them to start regularly playing against the big teams like Barcelona.

That’s how Eddie Howe and his team can define if they’re ready or not. It’s interesting, but I think for Newcastle, a win would be a huge achievement but they have to make sure they are ready to compete throughout the whole league format.

I hope Newcastle win and I send my best wishes, because my heart is with the club. For me, I won’t be surprised if they get a good result, especially at home. Then they can go on with a different mentality if they succeed.

They will have to work exceptionally hard to match Barcelona, and Barca will have most of the ball. They will have to stay compact and work together as a team to avoid conceding. They can definitely win, but let’s see how it works out.

Middlesbrough

Was there any talk of you signing permanently for the club? Would you have stayed?

Honestly, staying at Middlesbrough was never on the cards for me. I had one of the best seasons of my career there, and I’m grateful to Steve McClaren and the club for making it possible.

It gave me a chance to prove myself after coming from Real Madrid. Real did not want to sell me, so I asked for a loan, and so I joined Boro.

When I signed for them, I had a good season, but I think they weren’t able to sign me on a permanent deal. Chelsea came in and they made a bid that was accepted, and that’s why I went there.

I went as part of the Roman Abramovich takeover, and he had the cash to buy players. But I have great memories of playing for Boro.

Boro are flying in the Championship. Would you like to see them back in the Premier League and more importantly, can they return this season?

I really hope Middlesbrough get back into the Premier League. I remember every match I played with them, and I look out for them still now. I think how they’ve started is a good sign, and they look determined to get back into the top flight. I think they are a side that deserves to get back to the top.

Real Madrid

Did Steve McManaman get enough credit for his performances in Spain?

Steven, he’s my friend, he’s my brother. We had some great times at Real Madrid, and we’re still in touch. I was talking to him only last week, and he’s a great person.

I think everyone at Real knew how important he was. The manager, Vincente Del Bosque said that he and I were the two most important players in that squad. Because it’s not just the first XI that matters, it’s the bench that will get you through your hardest matches.

So, Steve was really important. He and I would play everywhere, and even if we weren’t starting every game, we didn’t let that change our attitude. Some players have a bad outlook when they’re not always playing, and cause problems. It hurts the dressing room. But we would encourage the team, in the dressing room, on the training field, on the bench and then on the pitch. We were really similar, and when we were there we won it all – Steve and I both contributed to that.

Can Trent Alexander-Arnold become first choice under Xabi Alonso?

I wouldn’t be worried about Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid. It’s so early. He’s a new signing, and he’s only just arrived. He will be given time to get by Xabi Alonso, and they don’t need to rush things.

What he’ll need now is for his team-mates to help him, and his manager. When you arrive at a new club, it takes time. You need the club to help you. His team-mates and manager need to be talking to him all the time to help him adjust. We’ve already seen at Liverpool that he has the quality to succeed.

He’s a big Real signing, so that’s why the pressure is on him. But regardless of that, he still needs time to settle in. That’s completely normal.

The club doesn’t have to worry. They’re doing well, they’re top of the table. There is a lot of hard work to do to get everyone to gel, and the performances will need to improve over the course of the season. But with new signings, they have to do the work and learn to work together. This is Real Madrid; they will have to be ready for the showpiece occasions come the end of the season.

Premier League

Who do you think will be the Premier League top scorer?

Right now, I think it’s going to be Erling Haaland. He’s got everything you need to succeed as a striker in the Premier League.

I remember arguing with my son about him when he joined from Borussia Dortmund, because I was certain he was going to be a big success.

I think this is going to be his year, for sure. And if he avoids injury then he is the man. He’s got the skill, the pass, everything.

What has gone wrong at Manchester United?

Manchester United change their players too much. There’s too much turnover. They need to build a solid foundation that will last for years.

Manchester United have a great legacy, so they can still attract good players, but they are competing in the richest league in the world. They need to filter out the noise and build a long-term project. What is going on with them is that they are rushing to get back to the top, back where they used to be, and they’re making mistakes.

When United were at their best, they used to have five or six players who were just always there, always playing together. Roy Keane was there, Ryan Giggs was there, almost every year. That’s why they were unbeatable, because they had built a real team.

Now though, every club is under pressure to build a side, juggle PSR, and buy success right away. But other clubs have been more patient, like Manchester City. They need to follow their lead and plan for the next three or four years.

Who do you think is the most complete midfielder in the Premier League?

I think Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea is definitely one of them. He’s very good at Chelsea, and he operates under pressure. I also like Baleba, and it’s a shame he didn’t get to move to Manchester United this summer.

There are some great midfielders at Manchester City too, like Rodri. I think what all three of them have is that in modern football, you can’t be an individual midfielder. You have to work with the team and bring them all up a level. These players all do that.

Would Mourinho to Leeds be a good match, given Jose has previously stated he would manage a side in the lower end of the Premier League.

The thing about Jose is that he loves challenges. I don’t know what he is looking for next from a job. After he quit Fenerbahce, he might think he needs a bit of a break.

I think in many ways, Leeds are a big club, and maybe he could be tempted to make a switch to come back to the Premier League. But for now, only he knows if he’s willing to join a club like Leeds.

Could he keep Leeds up? What would he bring? Or would it be a mistake to go there?

There’s no doubt that Jose has what it takes to keep Leeds up in the Premier League. The advantage he has is that he knows English football intimately. My only question is about whether he would want to take the job, because he is used to bigger challenges. He’s usually at a club near the top of the division. I wonder if instead he’ll be looking for a club that will be competing in a big competition in Europe.

That being said, Leeds are a very unique club in England. They are one of the special clubs in the country, and if Jose could have an impact there and get the fans behind him, then there could be fireworks. It would be a massive statement from Leeds if they could attract a name like Mourinho.

Teammates

Your former team-mate Michael Owen said that he was better than Wayne Rooney when he emerged – do you agree?

Both of them were precociously talented players. They broke through into first team football at the same age, about 16 or 17, and another similarity is they both came from the city of Liverpool.

Rooney emerged at Everton, and Owen broke through at Liverpool, and they were both exceptional at early ages. They were very good players and achieved a lot in their careers.

The difference is, I think, that Owen was performing at the biggest international tournaments, like the World Cup, and Rooney didn’t quite match that at that age. So yes, I think Michael has a point, but of course Rooney was fabulous in the Premier League as a teenager too. But I think Michael can say what he said.

Can Frank Lampard take Coventry into the Premier League this season?

I think Frank has already impressed at a few clubs now. I think at Chelsea he did well particularly, and maybe he didn’t match that success elsewhere. But he looks like he’s well qualified to succeed with Coventry this season, and I think he could take them up.

I think for him, the important thing is that he does well this season and then takes stock. Coventry, it’s a great city, it’s a big club. He has the chance to re-establish his reputation and then come back strongly. I think then he’ll be in a position to take on another big role. It’s like being a footballer, often you have to move to improve your career every few years. But right now, things are looking good at Coventry.

Should Chelsea find a role at the club for the legend that is John Terry?

I think yes, John has done enough for Chelsea to deserve a role at the club. He gave everything to that club, and he would be a great example for younger players to follow.

He was the captain for years, and having John around the club would send a message, because he’s homegrown, he spent his life there. They should take him, and send a message to others around the club that if they start working hard and they contribute, they will always be part of the club. That is important, that a club respects their legends. I would admire that, and for John I’m sure it would be important, because if you cut him, he bleeds blue.

Damien Duff is the fans favourite to be appointed the manager of the Irish national team. Should the Irish turn to him if they sack the under-pressure boss Hallgrimsson?

I’m a bit surprised to see Damien Duff being linked with the Ireland job, but only because I didn’t know he’d already done his coaching badges.

When we were playing together, at the time I didn’t see him being the kind of player who would move into coaching, but I’m sure he’s grown into the role and I’m really interested to see how he does.

I wish he does well, I hope he does well, and I think Ireland would be lucky to have him as their manager after all he achieved as a player.

Your old teammate Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is going to appear on Strictly Come Dancing. Was he a good dancer? Do you think he will do well on the show?

I’ll definitely be tuning in. I will be watching that (laughs). It’s how I know that people change their whole life, because when I used to go out on the town with Jimmy, I can honestly say, I never saw him dance. He was my friend, and whenever we went to the club, he never danced in front of me.

On the other hand, when the manager told Jimmy to do something, he did it. He would learn and train hard, so if he’s given the chance to work by his dance partner, he will be committed.

So he will start to show some skill, but I’ll be curious to see just how much skill he has. He’s an intelligent guy, and I’m sure he’ll adapt, and I’ll definitely be intrigued to see how he does.

The Team Behind This Interview

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