Chelsea legend John Terry has voiced his discontent with the direction modern football has taken, arguing that the game has become too focused on breaking down defensive systems rather than entertaining fans.
Speaking candidly about the state of the sport, Terry admitted he no longer enjoys watching matches as much as he once did.
“I turn on a football match, and it all comes down to one team trying to break down the defense,” the former Chelsea captain said. “Whether it’s Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, or Barcelona — it’s all the same. I don’t like that anymore; football has become a game of chess.”
Terry, who captained Chelsea through their most successful era, took particular issue with the overly cautious tactics employed by teams facing possession-heavy sides like Manchester City.
“For example, when teams play Manchester City and line up 11 men behind the ball, it’s boring,” Terry continued. “Manchester City tries to break down the other team’s defense, and that’s also very boring. You don’t see many shots, you don’t see players like Eden Hazard or Joe Cole getting people out of their seats.”
Terry’s remarks will resonate with many supporters who feel that football has lost some of its spontaneity. The emphasis on tactical control, pressing systems, and defensive compactness has undeniably changed the spectacle, with fewer moments of individual flair compared to previous eras.
While there is no denying the tactical evolution of the sport, Terry’s words highlight a growing debate: has modern football sacrificed entertainment for efficiency?
Chelsea fans in particular will recall the days when creative players like Hazard, Cole, and Arjen Robben brought Stamford Bridge to life with moments of individual brilliance — something Terry clearly misses.
With Chelsea currently rebuilding under Enzo Maresca, many supporters will be hoping that the next generation of Blues can recapture some of that lost magic and bring excitement back to the Bridge.
