Chelsea’s Enigmatic Journey Ahead of Euro 2024, Champions League, and FIFA World Cup
The Chelsea of 2024-25 are enigmatic, to say the least. In the aftermath of their 2021 Champions League triumph, the club has been a whirlwind of chaos and confusion, much to the astonishment of the football world. Under the ownership of venture capitalist investors, Chelsea has become an investment vehicle, a trading platform, rather than a traditional football club with a rich and colourful history.
The turnover of players at Stamford Bridge continues to be dizzying, mirroring the ownership’s lack of patience with managers. Last season, however, there were signs of tangible progress under Mauricio Pochettino. The team’s sixth-place finish and European football qualification, coupled with a narrow defeat in the Carabao Cup final, were marked improvements considering the callow nature of the squad.
The Managerial Merry-Go-Round
Despite this progress, Pochettino’s departure by mutual consent was little surprise, as the manager’s role at Chelsea seems to hold a low position in the ownership’s organizational hierarchy. The appointment of Enzo Maresca, a manager with no experience in any top division, suggests the club is prioritizing a particular playing style over managerial expertise.
Off-Field Troubles
The off-field picture at Chelsea is equally troubling. The BlueCo ownership project, led by Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, has the look of a serious bust. The club’s focus on profitability and sustainability has led to questionable moves, such as selling the two hotels on the Stamford Bridge forecourt to a different part of the business and similar actions with the women’s team. These decisions have drawn the ire of the club’s well-organized and militant supporters’ organizations.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the chaos, there are reasons for cautious optimism. The squad boasts talented players like Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, and Roméo Lavia, although their development has been hampered by injuries. Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella, who impressed at Euro 2024, offer further hope. However, the sheer volume of questions surrounding Chelsea’s project makes it difficult to predict what to expect from the club’s latest venture.
As Chelsea prepares for the upcoming season, which includes participation in the UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and the possibly revamped UEFA Euro 2024, the football world will be watching with a mix of intrigue and trepidation, eager to see how the club navigates the challenges ahead.
“The turnover of players at Stamford Bridge continues to be dizzying, mirroring the ownership’s lack of patience with managers.”
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