After £600m was spent in the last two windows on some exceptional talents, many expected Chelsea to be firing on all cylinders. Yet that hasn’t quite happened. In fact, they are quite literally the worst team in the Premier League at the moment. Had it not been for the ten points won by Thomas Tuchel at the beginning of the season, The Blues could very well be fighting for relegation.
So what has exactly gone wrong? Everything, to put it bluntly. From the recruitment to the managerial appointments to the culture around the club, nothing is functioning at Chelsea. However, the main problem to me seems evident. Chelsea is suffering from diminishing marginal returns. Or, to quote my macroeconomics teacher, there are too many cooks in the kitchen. Let me explain.
The Blues have a squad of thirty players who are all expecting regular football yet at least ten of those can’t even make the matchday squad each week. This is devastating for squad morale, as well as for practicality. As reported by the Athletic, under ex-manager Graham Potter, so outsized had Chelsea’s first-team squad become that some players had to sit on the floor during team meetings while others changed for training in the corridor. Training sessions were overcrowded. Team meetings, usually held in the media theatre within the main building at the training ground, were so chaotic that some players had to sit on the ground.
It’s not all doom and gloom. Chelsea is fixable. They have plenty of talent in their squad. Fans are quick to say that they are years away from competing away, but they’re not too far away, provided they can effectively streamline their squad in the summer. Here’s how Chelsea should do it:
1. Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang
Aubameyang was never a sensible signing. Ludicrous wages. Always appeared to be a step backward. The Gabonese striker was granted his first start since October against Arsenal and touched the ball just nine times, failing to impress.
2. Mason Mount
Chelsea’s Player of the Year for 2021 and 2022 is likely to be parting ways with the club this summer. With just one year left on his contract, talks have stalled over a new deal. A move away could suit both parties.
3. César Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta has been a loyal servant to Chelsea since he arrived in 2012. Having played over 500 games for The Blues, ‘Dave’, as he is fondly named, will be remembered well in West London. However, in 2023, the Spaniard’s best days are behind him and whilst his experience and leadership are undoubtedly useful, Chelsea would be wise to part ways with him this summer.
4. Romelu Lukaku
Where to even start with Romelu Lukaku? He was resigned by Chelsea in 2021 for £97m having already spent his formative years at the club. Despite all the excitement around Big Rom, he publicly declared his unhappiness in December and his desire to return to Inter Milan. He scored a measly eight Premier League goals and was swiftly loaned back to Milan. A permanent sale is imperative but his hefty wages may deter potential suitors.
5. Hakim Ziyech
Ziyech is another player whose Chelsea career has been thoroughly underwhelming. Nothing is more indicative of his underperformance than his goalscoring numbers. The Moroccan has scored six Premier League goals, yes SIX, since he arrived in 2020. For context, Arsenal center-back Gabriel signed at the same time and has outscored Ziyech by four goals. Erling Haaland just matched his whole tally in April alone. Ziyech undoubtedly has talent, but he just hasn’t proved it consistently enough in West London.
6. Christian Pulisic
After a promising start to life in London, this year Captain America has looked more like Captain Underpants. One goal in 27 appearances this season says it all. Pulisic is a gifted dribbler and a bright talent, but he is being misused at Chelsea, and not taking his opportunities when granted them.
7. Mateo Kovacic
Kovacic has been excellent for Chelsea. Yet with one year left on his contract, Chelsea are reluctant to offer the 29-year-old fresh terms and he will likely move on.
8. Edouard Mendy
For a while, Mendy looked like one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Now, he’s become second fiddle to once disgraced Kepa Arrizabalaga. This sale is simple. Mendy is a good goalkeeper, but you can’t have a goalkeeper on those wages wasting away on the bench.
9. Callum Hudson-Odoi
Hudson-Odoi has never hit the heights of what was expected of him when he first broke through into the squad. He’s still young and Chelsea should cash in on the young Englishman whilst his value remains high.
10. Conor Gallagher
I was astonished when Chelsea rejected a £40m offer for Gallagher last summer. Don’t get me wrong, I like Gallagher. He’s a tenacious, committed player with the potential to improve. But Chelsea needs world-beaters in midfield if they want to truly compete.
These ten removals would give Chelsea some breathing room and allow for the integration of Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku into the squad next season, as well as one or two reinforcements in the summer. The reduced squad size will allow for more effective squad cohesion, better morale amongst players and simply less overcrowding, all of which will inevitably lead to improved results on the pitch.
This isn’t the exact formula for title contention, but it is a first step. Combine this with an astute new manager and some intelligent recruitment in the summer, and Chelsea will be back up and running next season. After all, in 2016, The Blues finished 10th. In 2017, they won the league with the highest points tally ever at the time. No club is as far away as they might think, Chelsea included.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
