The start of the post-Roman Abramovich era is proving rough at the Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have won just one of their last eight Premier League games and they are 10th in the table, 10 points off the Champions League spots and 19 points off leaders Arsenal despite new owner Todd Boehly having spent big since taking over.
At the end of May, the American consortium that consists of Boehly, Behdad Eghbali, Mark Walter and Hansjoerg Wyss acquired the club for nearly five billion euros.
And it took less than four months for the Los Angeles Lakers shareholder and Dodgers owner to change things at the Blues.
Chairman Bruce Buck, sporting director Marina Granovskaia and technical advisor Petr Cech all departed in the summer from a club that then fired Champions League-winning coach Thomas Tuchel and signed Graham Potter in September.
"As the new ownership group reaches 100 days since taking over the Club, and as it continues its hard work to take the club forward, the new owners believe it is the right time to make this transition," a Chelsea statement read at the time.
"Chelsea's coaching staff will take charge of the team for training and the preparation of our upcoming matches as the Club moves swiftly to appoint a new head coach."
Boehly became the interim sporting director and Christopher Vivell was appointed as technical director in December. What hasn't changed is that Chelsea are still spending big to sign players.
"Chelsea are building the most exciting project in global football and I'm extremely proud to be joining the club," said Vivell.
"There is so much potential for the club to continue to succeed, develop and grow. Under the new ownership, Graham Potter and the broader sporting team, there is a clear and sustainable philosophy underpinned by performance analysis, data and innovation, and I am looking forward to playing a part in that."
The Blues have spent 332 million euros on transfers since Boehly's arrival seven months ago. The latest player to arrive was Benoit Badiashile, who joined for 38m euros from Monaco in the club's bid to strengthen a defense which already boasts Wesley Fofana, who joined from Leicester City for 80m euros, as well as Marc Cucurella (Brighton, 65m euros) and Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli, 38m euros).
Chelsea invested as many as 282m euros in signings last summer to bring in Raheem Sterling (Manchester City, 56m euros), Carney Chukwuemeka (Aston Villa, 18m euros), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Barcelona, 12m euros), Gabriel Slonina (Chicago Fire, nine million euros) and Denis Zakaria (on loan from Juventus).
Meanwhile, they made just 56m euros after offloading Timo Werner (RB Leipzig), Emerson Palmieri (West Ham), Billy Gilmour (Brighton), Romelu Lukaku (Inter), Michy Batshuayi (Fenerbahce), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso (Barcelona).
Kings of the market
Manchester United (240m euros), West Ham (182m euros), Tottenham Hotspur (170m euros) and Nottingham Forest (162m euros) have also spent big, but none of these clubs have splashed out the figures that Chelsea have invested in the last months.
"I'm the head coach so my responsibility is to the players that are here and then we'll try to improve in every window," Potter noted.
"January is a complicated one because it's the middle of the season and in the meantime, we have to deal with all the noise of Chelsea being linked with everybody."
For the time being, Chelsea have also placed Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez and Shakhtar Donetsk forward Mykhailo Mudryk on their radar.
As for the 'Abramovich era' between 2003 and 2022, the club invested 2,340 million euros in signings, with their record in one season being back in 2017/18, when they invested 260m euros in signings.
lukblstz
2
I personally on behalf of many reasonable chelsea fans appeal to Mr Bohley and other board members NOT to give a damn to what the British press is presently writing about the Transformation that is ongoing at chelsea.( 1) Where were they when Potter came in and never lost in his first 9 matches with players he met? (2) Which manager can make a headway when 12 of his first team players are on injury lists.? I believe the recruitment the club is making now is for the team to come out stronger in 2 years time without spending outrageous amt of money on some players who are not ready to give their all as we're witnessing this season. Tell me which trophy chelsea has not won that some good for nothing fans won't allow us rest by condemning what the new owners are putting in place all for the good of the club. I believe patience is key in all that is unfolding.
armah Reuben
0
I would rather play the young players than play the experienced fools.
Andy_Mac
0
Thank you brother for saying the obvious and exactly the way things are. I'll always read ur articles on this platform instead of those that claim to know everything abt football whereas they know nothing.
No problem. I think a lot of people within the fanbase need to be educated on the real issues in the team. They seem to be ignorant about it
lukblstz
0
what blind fans refuse to see is that Chelsea are undergoing complete rebuild that has been due since TT period(why do think he relied on 3-4-3,cos that formation actual makes a below avg team look good and we were good but not good enough) combined with d loss of 2 top defender at their peak. Now remember even when TT was there d team already needed atleast 4 top players that would have gone straight into d 11 if signed,then add d potential departure of another 2 old & experienced midfielders combine d fact that d new board wants to invest heavily in (unready youth as a change in philosophy and not ignoring d first team) u20 players. So expect more signs if u want Chelseafc to do better but we all have to be very patient
You have made my day with this ur writeup. unlike some articles from left, right & centre without any reasonable points.
lukblstz
1
Just because Graham Potter doesn't have a great coaching profile, it doesn't mean that he hasn't got good enough managerial ability at Chelsea. The problem with Chelsea fans is that they turn a blind eye to the shortcomings of the players in the squad. If this squad was perfect, and the manager wasn't getting results, I would have understood this argument that Graham Potter isn't good enough for Chelsea. However, we've got lots of old and washed up players who shouldn't be at Chelsea anymore. The fans who want Potter out are coincidentally the same set of fans who were happy with Azpilicueta extending his contract, and you probably are the same lot of fans who want Chelsea to extend Kanté's contract. If you lot are too sentimental towards players, how can you expect the manager to deliver results? They're managers, not magicians.
Thank you brother for saying the obvious and exactly the way things are. I'll always read ur articles on this platform instead of those that claim to know everything abt football whereas they know nothing.
lukblstz
0
To me oh, coach is not the problem of Chelsea but the average player that Tt bought for chelsea.somebody like Sterling,cucurella, Aubamyang and Wesley fofana,all these are overrated player and they are Average player to me and injury had to the problem.
God bless you for saying the obvious exactly the way things are .
lukblstz
0
I believe any sensible person or persons will not blame Bohley or Potter for the poor results the club is recording at the moment. As we speak abt 11 players are on injury lists with Sterling and Pulisic being the latest from Thursday's match against man city. Appoint Gurdiola & Conte to jointly handle chelsea at this period Nothing good will come out of it. By this, I for one have made up my mind that d club would not Qualify for Top 4, no Trophy and above all no Relegation. I'm also in support of what the new board are doing in terms of recruiting younger players with average age of 19yrs. This means in 2yrs time the club will be ready to challenge for trophies after they might have well understood English football.
lukblstz
0
Boehly started on the wrong foot and it will sure cost him and partners more money to fix. You don't come into a new firm or business and sack all those with key knowledge when you don't know better and expect not to loose money. Why will you sack, Bruce, Marina, Cech, Tuchel within a six months span and expect progress. If for nothing, the mere fact that Chelsea was always up there competing for trophies should have meant those guys were doing certain things right. Now genius Boehly and his rookie appointee Potter are now in the spotlight. I feel for Potter, he's come to Chelsea at a time were the club had its worst transfer outing because Boehly's inexperience.
Injuries to almost 13 players is the cause of all these bad results here and nothing more.. Have you forgotten that Potter didn't loose in his first 9 matches.
Zisbcmnsu
0
The Chelsea boss is a fool... he has no knowledge about football .. then he had to fire TT, Let them sink
Visdlrsuyz
1
Graham Potter must know that "I NEARLY FAIL IS NOT THE SAME AS I NEARLY PASS". Just clinch TOP FOUR (or better) in the current League ;or simply get out of Chelsea for a more competent coach to manage Chelsea for the rest of the season. Period! Otherwise, Chelsea will not play even in the Europa /Conference League next season.
Vatdnopuz
0
To me oh, coach is not the problem of Chelsea but the average player that Tt bought for chelsea.somebody like Sterling,cucurella, Aubamyang and Wesley fofana,all these are overrated player and they are Average player to me and injury had to the problem.
Is it TT that bought those players or Boehly? Has TT been buying players? Why sack Cech, Marina and co after taking over without viable replacement. Coaches makes input but usually signing is done by whoever the Board appoints
Vatdnopuz
2
Boehly started on the wrong foot and it will sure cost him and partners more money to fix. You don't come into a new firm or business and sack all those with key knowledge when you don't know better and expect not to loose money. Why will you sack, Bruce, Marina, Cech, Tuchel within a six months span and expect progress. If for nothing, the mere fact that Chelsea was always up there competing for trophies should have meant those guys were doing certain things right. Now genius Boehly and his rookie appointee Potter are now in the spotlight. I feel for Potter, he's come to Chelsea at a time were the club had its worst transfer outing because Boehly's inexperience.
Andy_Mac
0
To me oh, coach is not the problem of Chelsea but the average player that Tt bought for chelsea.somebody like Sterling,cucurella, Aubamyang and Wesley fofana,all these are overrated player and they are Average player to me and injury had to the problem.
This is the reality of the situation. I'm glad I'm not the only one who can see it
Andy_Mac
0
Has Potter even lost any final in is career as a coach. Then you just gave him CHELSEA go and ask Lampard. CHELSEA is a big club and requires a big coach that can challenge fellow big coaches, Potter is a baby in that circle. WE ALL KNOW THIS
Just because Graham Potter doesn't have a great coaching profile, it doesn't mean that he hasn't got good enough managerial ability at Chelsea. The problem with Chelsea fans is that they turn a blind eye to the shortcomings of the players in the squad. If this squad was perfect, and the manager wasn't getting results, I would have understood this argument that Graham Potter isn't good enough for Chelsea. However, we've got lots of old and washed up players who shouldn't be at Chelsea anymore. The fans who want Potter out are coincidentally the same set of fans who were happy with Azpilicueta extending his contract, and you probably are the same lot of fans who want Chelsea to extend Kanté's contract. If you lot are too sentimental towards players, how can you expect the manager to deliver results? They're managers, not magicians.
vakeklrt
0
Has Potter even lost any final in is career as a coach. Then you just gave him CHELSEA go and ask Lampard. CHELSEA is a big club and requires a big coach that can challenge fellow big coaches, Potter is a baby in that circle. WE ALL KNOW THIS
Bro I don't understand why are they making a lot of noise while every soccer fan can tell that Chelsea needs a very good coach, Potter who is he? I just knew this guy when he was coaching Brighton all of a sudden they started to say he is a good coach. Imagine firing a coach who won us some trophies and hiring this nonsense coach now I hate Chelsea because of Potter
Pohacdlm
0
Chelsea has fired all the good people who had been taking good care of the club , from the Chairman, sporting director to the coach.
if you don't have any evidence don't talk
Webcmopuy
1
Man the bigger problem has been the money being spent on really average players. 80m for Fofana is unacceptable. Boehly is just buying players irrespective of their price tag. This can come back to bite Chelsea, because this is all debt.
kopigao
0
The owner wanted TT to play a 443
11 players + 1 referee?
Joocipstuz
1
Tomas tuchel start all this rubbish before he got fired bring in 30+ years of age.
Okay
Cuueikrtyz
0
The owner wanted TT to play a 443
Zipknyz
4
To me oh, coach is not the problem of Chelsea but the average player that Tt bought for chelsea.somebody like Sterling,cucurella, Aubamyang and Wesley fofana,all these are overrated player and they are Average player to me and injury had to the problem.
adepsalm19
1
Money miss road
Kkrexuke
0
This guy is such douchebag, came from USA, where they call football a different name, so clearly he has no clue at all how to run this business. Imagine spending all this money plus bring in useless coach, add to all this get rid of all sporting directors who already know every aspect of the club nd the team.
remember he said something like playing a 443...[Crylaugh]
Kkrexuke
0
Chelsea has fired all the good people who had been taking good care of the club , from the Chairman, sporting director to the coach.
Wealth112
0
Has Potter even lost any final in is career as a coach. Then you just gave him CHELSEA go and ask Lampard. CHELSEA is a big club and requires a big coach that can challenge fellow big coaches, Potter is a baby in that circle. WE ALL KNOW THIS
Wealth112
1
What is wrong with Chelsea, We don’t need an Oracle to tell you Potter is the Most Very Wrong Man for the Job. First Sack him and get a good coach the will sign players to build a team not this random picking. PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF THE CLUB CHELSEA FC
bshbz82
0
This guy is such douchebag, came from USA, where they call football a different name, so clearly he has no clue at all how to run this business. Imagine spending all this money plus bring in useless coach, add to all this get rid of all sporting directors who already know every aspect of the club nd the team.
soldierzway
0
If u buy a 20k Toyota for 200k, it won’t become a Mercedes. Stop buying players at over inflated rates. The actual value of players that Chelsea bought for 332M won’t probably be half of it.
Yeah city was a joke for buying Grealish now it's your turn. Cucurrella and Fofana 🙈
soldierzway
0
Potter and Boehly are the reason why Chealse are in this mess. Or I forgot also the sanctioning of Mr Roman Abramovich who was forced to sell his club
nikekpstyz
0
Spending money without planning, without strategy, without results.
bunadeprst
1
Chelsea is real dum should have just bid all that money for one player like haland would have been worth it see brake goal scoring records and see Chelsea breaking records by buying players and selling them later for lower price and this season they r breaking all their own records keep it up fans will obviously be impressed
Dulom
4
If u buy a 20k Toyota for 200k, it won’t become a Mercedes. Stop buying players at over inflated rates. The actual value of players that Chelsea bought for 332M won’t probably be half of it.
ALLENGAVII
0
go n coach the team n see wt u bring out
Dharay66
2
what blind fans refuse to see is that Chelsea are undergoing complete rebuild that has been due since TT period(why do think he relied on 3-4-3,cos that formation actual makes a below avg team look good and we were good but not good enough) combined with d loss of 2 top defender at their peak. Now remember even when TT was there d team already needed atleast 4 top players that would have gone straight into d 11 if signed,then add d potential departure of another 2 old & experienced midfielders combine d fact that d new board wants to invest heavily in (unready youth as a change in philosophy and not ignoring d first team) u20 players. So expect more signs if u want Chelseafc to do better but we all have to be very patient
You're among the very few that understands what change means 🤝 patience!!!
Pubabeipry
0
We went through this before and came strong
ifadac
3
Just mention any player and Chelsea will go for him ..... confused camp 🤣😜🤪
Nhlapo
2
what blind fans refuse to see is that Chelsea are undergoing complete rebuild that has been due since TT period(why do think he relied on 3-4-3,cos that formation actual makes a below avg team look good and we were good but not good enough) combined with d loss of 2 top defender at their peak. Now remember even when TT was there d team already needed atleast 4 top players that would have gone straight into d 11 if signed,then add d potential departure of another 2 old & experienced midfielders combine d fact that d new board wants to invest heavily in (unready youth as a change in philosophy and not ignoring d first team) u20 players. So expect more signs if u want Chelseafc to do better but we all have to be very patient
Spot on
jesbdemosy
0
Tomas tuchel start all this rubbish before he got fired bring in 30+ years of age.
wukblmn
4
what blind fans refuse to see is that Chelsea are undergoing complete rebuild that has been due since TT period(why do think he relied on 3-4-3,cos that formation actual makes a below avg team look good and we were good but not good enough) combined with d loss of 2 top defender at their peak. Now remember even when TT was there d team already needed atleast 4 top players that would have gone straight into d 11 if signed,then add d potential departure of another 2 old & experienced midfielders combine d fact that d new board wants to invest heavily in (unready youth as a change in philosophy and not ignoring d first team) u20 players. So expect more signs if u want Chelseafc to do better but we all have to be very patient
Imnaaier
1
Chelsea was miss to bring CR7
Echee27
0
let him be,.. when Abramovic took over Chelsea in 2006 it took him over months to balance the team to his taste
diucdrz
1
He didn’t no where and what he is doing with his self and the team oh Chelsea it will be well
dikdelmrsz
3
Then Splash money on wrong players and de sacking of Tuchel wasn’t Right.. Graham potter isn’t Qualified to coach a team like Chelsea
Jutiknoprt
1
Change the coaching please. Then bring in the right players