Former Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun says the new board's mega spending has taken the club backwards.

Ahead of today's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, Benayoun lamented the state of his old club.

He told AS: "Since Roman Abramovich left, the situation has been very difficult. It's like taking your daughter to a candy store and buying her everything she wants and then having her stomach hurt.

"Just because you have money doesn't mean you have to buy everything. You have to build a team and now, they have lost their way. You have to have a clear idea, a sporting director and trust him. If you trust, he will have the idea. If there are many opinions, everything is lost.

"It was after a few games, you bring in Potter and you decide that he is not the best option and then, Pochettino. Something is not working.

"The first months they wanted to show that they were strong in the market.

"This player... Liverpool and Madrid want him, we will offer €120 million. That doesn't bring success. Look, Newcastle has money and they don't spend it signing everyone. Chelsea needs to stop, think and relax when it comes to spending money. You might find the right player for 15 or 20 million."