Chelsea’s start to the season promised so much but fell flat on its back as they ended the campaign without a trophy.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti failed to build on last term where he won the double in his first season in charge of the Blues.
Chelsea’s mid-season demise has really taken its toll as reports suggest Ancelotti is the football betting favourite to be the next manager for the chop after the final game of the season this weekend.
The Italian’s dismissal wouldn’t come as a surprise after the long list of previous managers that have failed at the helm following poor seasons. Owner Roman Abramovich wants success instantly, yet sacking the former AC Milan manager would be harsh considering the achievements he had in his first season in England.
On the other hand, why would the Russian millionaire want to keep a manager who has failed to get the best out of player that cost him £50 million? Fernando Torres’ performance haven’t reflected his price tag and Ambramovich may want a fresh manager to get the best out of the Spaniard to stick by his decision to splash the cash on the striker.
Chelsea have also failed to bring players through the youth system in recent years and are falling behind in terms of youth with the other title challengers thus far. There is an argument Arsenal have too much youth while Chelsea have too much experience. Manchester United, the champions, have the correct balance of emerging youngsters and veteran performers and it has showed as they wrapped up their 19th title and face Barcelona in the Champions League final next week, a match which won’t be as one sided as “football bets” suggest.
The Blues do have Josh McEachran and Daniel Sturridge coming through the ranks with both featuring a little bit this season. Sturridge has showed his potential on loan at Bolton and should be at the forefront of the Chelsea attack next campaign, though the club still needs players to freshen up the squad. David Luiz has had an impact since he joined from Benfica but Torres has done the opposite.
Torres, a January transfer signing from Liverpool, has hampered Chelsea’s title bid with Ancelotti persistently choosing the Spanish striker in order to justify his transfer fee. Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka have since failed to shine and become unsettled since Torres’ arrival and the goals have dried up.
Chelsea need to freshen their team in order to get back on the right track to challenge for major honours. Some players are starting to go past their peak years and Abramovich may need a clearout this
summer, starting with the manager.
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