Chelsea still have a very strong chance of qualifying for the Champions League at the end of this season despite their very well-documented issues.
In some areas of the fanbase the connection with the club has never been weaker, with some taking the opportunity before Chelsea’s last home game against Southampton to protest the direction they were headed.
While some were pleased this action was taken, others questioned the motive behind the protest, with Todd Boehly the subject of discontent despite not having a particularly hands on role at the club anymore.
Results on the pitch have played a role for sure. Enzo Maresca’s side were on a run of two wins in ten league games before their win over Southampton.
There hasn’t been a lot of optimism about the manager’s position either. Paul Merson even predicted Maresca would be sacked with two more defeats.
Premier League rivals getting worried about Chelsea
It seems as if elsewhere in the game rivals are beginning to take notice of Chelsea though, with the appointment of the Italian actually being one of the reasons others have been impressed.
David Ornstein explained that the general opinion of the Blues is changing amongst rival clubs, and supporters may just need to be patient before seeing the true potential of the project being undertaken.
He said to The Athletic: “I can tell you from speaking to rival clubs, they’re increasing speaking well of Chelsea – quality of signings, age profile, contract lengths, wage bill, Maresca appointment, multi club entry with Strasbourg etc.
It’s never nice to be told to be patient but I think that’s required, the amount of on and off upheaval at Chelsea has been extraordinary and it feels like we need to give it more time before forming concrete judgments.”
The contracts that have been frequently handed out by Chelsea were heavily criticised at first, however the length of them has given the Blues security with their top stars.
Cole Palmer has no exit clause for if they miss out on Champions League football, with him being one of the top performers who extended their deal further earlier this season.
Chelsea’s summer transfer plans
Despite more than a billion pounds being spent on the squad since the new owners came in, there is expected to be more overhaul at Stamford Bridge when the transfer window opens.
Chelsea are expected to ‘go big’ for key signings, with the spine of the team likely to see mass improvement.
Maresca is demanding a new goalkeeper be brought in after Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez’s woes between the sticks, with the ability to play with the ball at their feet a necessity.
Bart Verbruggen and Caoimhin Kelleher have been mentioned as targets, however the pressure will be on to choose the right candidate following multiple seasons of underwhelming displays.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
