New Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri, seen here at a press conference in Perth, is Chelsea’s 13th since Roman Abramovich bought the club
Photo: Paul McNeela / Prost Amerika
Patience is key for Chelsea
by Jimmy Whitehead
Last Season
Premier League: 5th
FA Cup: Winners
Carabao Cup: Semi Final (lost vs Arsenal)
Champions League: Round of 16 (lost vs Barcelona)
With management changes and constant player transfer rumours, it was just another summer saga at Chelsea where not even a World Cup could distract the team. During the tournament Chelsea decided to sack then-manager Antonio Conte. The Italian who only won the Premier League convincingly with Chelsea two seasons ago, was under pressure from the board due to not qualifying for the Champions League. Issues with bringing in new players did not help either. Not even winning the FA cup could save him.
So now enters Maurizio Sarri, the former boss of Napoli.
Sarri who has replaced Conte for the second time in his career, is the thirteenth manager of Chelsea since owner Roman Abramovich took over in 2003. With a high turnover of managers at Chelsea, Sarri needs to hit the ground running before they decide to make another change. The football purists have adored his style of play for some time, and he admires the likes of Pep Guardiola and Fabio Capello. This is the first time Sarri has managed outside of Italy however.
Summer Business
With the transfer rumour mill churning stories about departures of star players Eden Hazard, Willian and Thibaut Courtois, it hasn’t been an easy start for the manager. Keeping hold of these players will be key for a good start as they have been the backbone for the London club over the past couple of seasons. With the usual links to people to buy if another player leaves, it could make an interesting lead up on transfer window deadline day. The annual mass exodus of young players out on loan to the smaller leagues has reoccurred.
Not many players have been brought in at this time. Brazilian Jorghino was bought in from Sarri’s former club Napoli for £45 million. With his experience of playing under Sarri, this could help the current players get used to the new manager’s style of play. There was also the surprise signing of former England international keeper Rob Green. The seasoned veteran could play a part in the Carabao Cup but barring injuries, the opportunities for him will be limited.
Transfer Deadline Day Update
They have sold world class keeper Thibaut Courtois in a cash plus player loan deal with Real Madrid. The player loaned in is Mateo Kovacic, part of the Croatia World Cup team. He has been tipped as one of the future stars in football.
To replace Courtois the Blues have bought in Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletico Madrid. At £72 million this makes the 23-year-old the most expensive goalkeeper in the world.
Pre-Season Form
The pre-season form of the London Club has been rocky to say the least. The late arrival of Sarri hasn’t helped. It started well with a win over Perth Glory. After that came a couple of draws in the International Champions Cup and a loss in the Community Shield the pre-season experience. Good performances by young gun Callum Hudson-Odi have been the only bright spark for Chelsea in the pre-season.
Chelsea won their pre-season match in Perth
Photo: Chris Wilson
What to Expect this Season
The goal for Chelsea this season should be to get back into playing Champions League football. But with the itchy trigger finger of Abramovich, it could mean only a Championship will suffice. Of the thirteen managers that have been hired by the Russian only three have won the league within their first season. None of those three had the likes of Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, and Jurgen Klopp as rival managers.
As much as Ambramovich wants his team to be top of the league it will be a big ask.
The change in manager and a potential overhaul of key players could stall them in the quest for a title. Depending on how quickly the players learn the new system they could be in a Champions League place by the end of the season.
The Blues will be a strong favourite for winning the Europa League. Which gives out the golden ticket of a Champions League place to the winners. If they fail, then another year in the Europa League could be on the cards.
Players In:
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao £71m)
DEF Jorginho (Napoli £51,300,000)
GK Rob Green (Free Huddersfield)
MID Thierno Ballo (Viktoria Köln Undisclosed)
FWD George Nunn (Crewe Alexandra £300,000)
DEF Pierre Ekwah (Nantes £1,800,000)
DEF Ian Maatsen (PSV Eindhoven £100,000)
DEF Sam McLelland (Coleraine Undisclosed)
MID Mateo Kovačić (Real Madrid Loan)
Players Out:
GK Mitchell Beeney (Sligo Rovers Free)
MID Jeremy Boga (Sassuolo £3.6m)
DEF Jonathan Panzo Monaco £1.5m)
MID Jordan Houghton (MK Dons Free)
MID Isaac Christie-Davies (Liverpool Free)
GK Matej Delač (Horsens Free)
FWD Harvey St Clair (Venezia Free)
DEF Wallace (Unattached Free)
MID Tushaun Walters (Unattached Free)
DEF Cole Dasilva (Brentford Free)
GK Thibauld Courtois (Real Madrid Loan)
