PRE SEASON : REALITY CHECK

|Kingsley Dickson|

From a ‘dodgy’ 2-1 victory against Club America to a penalty shootout loss to Charlotte FC to an eye opening thumping loss to Arsenal then a 3-1 win over Udinese, there is mixed feeling in the minds of Chelsea fans. And why not?  Apparently, that was a 50/100 pre season. And don’t forget an ongoing average transfer window. Phew! That’s a lot of negatives. But is there something to be hopeful for? Well, the signing of Sterling and Koulibaly could make a case of willingness to join Chelsea. But what are the truths derived from the space of 3 eventful months 

No More ‘Sugar Daddy  Roman’

When Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital gained ownership of Chelsea, Chelsea fans thought “We’re back, baby!!!” Oh, gimme a break. We’re talking about an American owner, inexperienced in the European transfer market. But it definitely means that every signing will be strategic and based on the manager’s philosophy. And if Chelsea are going to reach the standard of Manchester City  and Liverpool,  it has to be a painful process, possibly 2 seasons rather than patching up every bad season with a trophy and then falling apart, the next season. It has to be purposeful spending and not wasteful investments.

Tuchel is a victim of his success

When Tuchel won the UEFA Champions League with these current crop of players, the fans sang the praise of the players and made staggering comparisons. But, this past season has opened the eyes of many fans to the fact that some of these players are living off the Champions League glory. Inconsistent performances have made the fans question the tactical prowess of a coach the won the Champions League with players that were not his. These crop of players are really not in the plans of Tuchel. Not for sentimental sake, but because they just don’t fit in. And some are not even footballers.

Havertz needs to improve

Havertz’s 42nd minute goal against City in the Champions League final against Manchester City on the 29th of May, 2021 endeared him into the hearts of Chelsea fans. And why not? He won is the Champions League. And went on to score 10 goals for Chelsea last season in all competitions. But it could have been 18 or even 20. Why? Missed chances. He’s missed some big chances that could have taken his tally way higher. Not to forget inconsistency. Be that as it may, he needs to improve. And quick. Chelsea fans have standards. Or do they?

Cobham can wait

Cobham have been blessed with a plethora of talents and we saw that in the 2019/2020 season when Chelsea made it to the top 4 with 8 academy graduates in the squad. And we see have impressive they are on loan. But this is England. Not Netherlands where players from  Ajax Jeugdopleiding walk into Ajax’s first team and win the Eredivise. In England, the you can’t win the title with academy graduates. Only a few can do that. Liverpool won the league with Arnold being the only consistent starter from the academy. Foden is the only thing close to a consistent starter for Manchester City from the academy. So, to all academy players that are clamoring for starting spots, you either wait for your turn like Mount and co. or leave. Chelsea will not be able to feed the egos of 18 or 19 year olds fueled by Lampard’s first season at Chelsea.

Chelsea are going through a phase. Personally, I do not expect a lot from us. It’s a process. I’m willing to trust it. But are the fans willing to wait?