John Terry explains why he doesn't want Chelsea to win Premier League this season

John Terry is backing Liverpool to win the Premier League this season (Image: Getty Images)

Chelsea hero John Terry has thrown his support behind Liverpool to win this season's Premier League title, naming Diogo Jota as the main reason.

Terry is arguably the most legendary figure in Chelsea's history, having played 717 matches as the club's centre back, scored 67 goals and lifted five Premier League trophies and the Champions League, along with numerous other accolades.

Following his retirement and spells as an assistant coach, the 44-year-old returned to Cobham in July 2023 as an academy mentor and club ambassador, maintaining close ties with the Chelsea first-team players and staff.

So it was somewhat unexpected when the former England star didn't back Enzo Maresca's side to win the league title this season during a talkSPORT interview.

Instead, Terry backed Arne Slot's reigning champions, Liverpool. Part of his reasoning was a realistic assessment of Chelsea's current capabilities and a reluctance to heap pressure on their young and inexperienced squad.

But Terry also revealed a touching sentiment, saying he hopes the Reds will lift the trophy at the end of the season in memory of former Liverpool striker Jota, who tragically died in a car crash in July.

Diogo Jota passed away shortly after winning the Premier League with Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)

Speaking about Liverpool's chances of retaining their title, Terry said: "I think it's theirs to lose, to be honest. I think they have a big motivation with the very sad loss of Diogo Jota as well in the back of their minds.

"For that reason alone, I really hope Liverpool do it. I think they're the strongest side. I think Manchester City have shown vulnerability again this season.

"I'm not sure Chelsea have enough experience within their squad to push them, and I also don't want to put pressure on them. So I think it's Liverpool's to lose and like I said, I wish them well for it."

Liverpool remain the only Premier League team with a 100 per cent win record this season. Despite lacking the defensive solidity that proved so valuable last season, the Reds have managed to maintain that record by scoring late winners against Bournemouth, Newcastle and title rivals Arsenal.

Enzo Maresca and Chelsea are not expected to challenge for the title (Image: Carmen Mandato - FIFA via Getty Images)

Following Arsenal and Spurs' wins on Saturday, Slot's side have the chance to return to the top of the table when they travel to face Burnley on Sunday afternoon. Chelsea, meanwhile, are fifth after securing two victories, suffering one defeat and drawing 2-2 at Brentford on Saturday.

When quizzed about Maresca's men recently being crowned Club World Cup champions, Terry said tongue-in-cheek: "We're officially the best team in the world, so we're happy with that at the minute! But we are a young squad, and I think this year, with the experience of pushing the other teams close, we have a chance to be up there.

"We should be because we're Chelsea, and I think any top side or any player going into the season thinking, 'We can't win it,' shouldn't be playing at the top level. Every Chelsea player should believe they can win it. But do I think we can do it? No, I don't, to be honest with you."