The former Liverpool center-back Jamie Carragher has identified Chelsea's long-standing goalkeeper problem as a critical barrier to their success. His comments came after Chelsea's significant 2-5 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Champions League round of 16 first leg, where a goalkeeping error contributed to their collapse.

In the 74th minute, with the score tied at 2-2 and Chelsea playing well, goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen made a risky low pass near the penalty area. Bradley Barcola intercepted the ball, setting up Vitinha to chip it in, making the score 3-2. After this incident, 'The Blues' conceded two more goals, leading to a decisive defeat.

Filip Jorgensen holds his head after his error led to Chelsea conceding a goal in their 2-5 loss to PSG in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 at Parc des Princes, Paris, France on 11/3. *Shutterstock*

Jorgensen was chosen to start over Robert Sanchez, the Spanish goalkeeper who has faced criticism for inconsistent form in recent seasons. However, Jorgensen's error against PSG made him the new focus of criticism.

Commenting on CBS Sports, Carragher stated that Chelsea will struggle to progress without addressing their 'Achilles' heel' in goal. 'This is the best Champions League match I've seen this season', he said. 'Chelsea did not deserve to lose 2-5, but they only have themselves to blame'.

Carragher further emphasized that the goalkeeper problem has long plagued the London club. 'I have been saying this for a long time. Chelsea cannot go far without solving the goalkeeper position. The new owners have spent billions of USD, and the squad has many quality players, except in this position', Carragher added.

Carragher also praised head coach Liam Rosenior's tactical approach, as Chelsea caused many difficulties for PSG. However, individual errors cost the team dearly. 'In terms of how they organized and played, Chelsea did not deserve to lose', the 48-year-old English former center-back stated. 'But major errors in central defense and goalkeeping led to their defeat. This will continue to be an issue for any Chelsea coach if they want to compete in the Premier League or Champions League'.

Filip Jorgensen (left) and Robert Sanchez. *Danehouse*

After the match, head coach Liam Rosenior took responsibility for Jorgensen's error, attributing it to his instruction for the team to play out from the back. 'Every playing style carries risks. You can clear the ball long, and it comes back to the goal. We choose to build play from the back and accept that risk. I take responsibility', the English coach said.

When further asked about his two goalkeeping options, Rosenior explained that Jorgensen and Sanchez possess different strengths, and the choice depends on the match's tactics. He also revealed that Jorgensen had apologized to his teammates in the locker room. 'He stood up and took responsibility. Mistakes happen, and sometimes the cost is very high. The important thing is for the whole team to unite and react strongly in the next match', the 41-year-old coach emphasized.

From a technical standpoint, Rosenior believed Chelsea actually controlled the game better, even though PSG scored five goals. 'It's hard to accept that they only had about 0,8 xG (expected goals) but scored five goals. We don't have much time to dwell on it because we have to prepare for the match against Newcastle and then face PSG again next week', he said.

On 14/3, Chelsea will return to Stamford Bridge to host Newcastle in the 30th round of the Premier League, then face PSG again in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 three days later.

Hong Duy (via Sky Sports)