Five important things learned by Chelsea in 2023

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In what was a tough 12 months for Chelsea, lessons simply had to be learned by players, staff and owners ahead of 2024.

Whether it comes to on the pitch or in the transfer market, there are plenty of examples of where they can adjust going into the new year.

Here are The Chelsea Chronicle’s five lessons that the club learned in 2023.

Buy cheap, buy twice

There are no doubts that Nicolas Jackson could still work out as a success at Chelsea. However, for someone to score goals right now, he is not the answer.

The links to signing a big striker in 2024 are hard to avoid, with some players being linked to the club that could see them smash their transfer record again.

It feels as if they tried to be shroud in the market in the one position where they really needed to get the transfer business right.

The owners are now braced to spend big money on a number nine next year.

Patience is key, but only to an extent

Chelsea’s ownership team gave Graham Potter as much time as possible to get things right at Stamford Bridge. However, it just never looked as if it was going to work out.

The culture at Stamford Bridge has been based around results, and managers have often not lasted long if things are not going their way.

In another era, Mauricio Pochetino may have already been sacked as a result of a tough start to life at the club.

However it would be advisable to note the situation they are in on a bigger scale, and therefore have faith in the Argentine to take them into the future.

Burnout will cost the Blues

Chelsea have some of the best players in the world in their position, however if they are played every single game they will eventually tire.

Enzo Fernandez has played pretty much every game for club and country this season, and this has undoubtedly seen a drop to his performances in recent weeks.

With injuries infecting the squad in a bad way over the last 12 months, there is a big risk that the players will begin to drop their levels if they are forced to play every single week.

Mauricio Pochettino should ensure to utilize members of his squad whenever possible in 2024, even if that does involve looking to some of his younger squad members to do a job for him.

Get Reece James fit and firing

At the end of December, Reece James has decided to undergo hamstring surgery in an attempt to finally put an end to his hamstring injury woes.

He has only been able to play a handful of games this season, and was clearly emotional the last time he was forced off against Everton.

His return is not scheduled to be for a few months now, and this could end up seeing them wait until next season to unleash the club captain again.

With just how good he is when he is fit in mind, that could be advisable in order to help Chelsea return to their best.

Don’t rush to sell academy graduates

They hold a clear purpose as far as the new owners are concerned – pure profit on the books as far as FFP is concerned.

Since they came in, Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Lewis Hall and others have all been sold to bring in much needed profit.

Conor Gallagher is the latest to be linked with a move away, despite his importance to the side and the manager at this time.

It would be advisable to not rush into selling the midfielder, despite the fact that there are likely to be plenty of interested parties.

Trophies are key

The league position is undoubtedly something that needs to improve in 2024, however the amount of time since Chelsea won a trophy.

They are currently in the EFL Cup semi-finals, with Mauricio Pochettino showing that he is taking the competition seriously.

This is something that must continue as far as the club are concerned, with the FA Cup also offering another chance at silverware at Stamford Bridge.

More trips to Wembley must be on the agenda for 2024 at Chelsea.