What a mess. That’s coming from a Chelsea fan. The self-destructive Anotnio Conte has left and the chain smoking maverick Maurizio Sarri has arrived and to a whole host of problems. A want away goalkeeper, aging defense and confidence short strikers. Combine that with an owner who can’t enter the country, just a single signing and a short pre-season means it’s going to be a difficult season for the Italian.
We may have an era defining season for the West London club. Potentially, he could be a perfect fit, he brings exciting, attacking football and doesn’t care about transfers. Match made in heaven. Or, it could all go to the dogs, the club could lose most of its stars and be exiled to the Europa league for the foreseeable future. No pressure.
The Squad
The transfer window held a few surprises for Chelsea and not many were expecting us to break the record transfer for a goalkeeper. Kepa Arrizabalaga has arrived from Athletic Bilbao to take over the number one jersey and youngster looks to be the real deal. Only time will tell if he is worth the massive fee but at least the club can rest easy with the Courtois debacle laid to rest.
Mateo Kovacic joined from Real Madrid and will add to an already talented midfield. The Croartian is a talented ball player and will provide tough completion to the likes of Loftus Cheek and Barkley who will need to start proving their quality in a blue shirt if they want a spot in the starting eleven. The same problems exist up front where Morata, Giroud and Batshuayi need to start scoring and fast. The reason Chelsea’s last season fall apart was down to the lack of goals to kill off games. Diego Costa was a menace and scored when we needed.
Those three players will need to pick up the slack.
The Boss
Maurizio Sarri has been touted as Conte’s replacement since January but only arrived after the World Cup and just two days prior to the Australia tour. Not ideal. The former bank manager has a very clear idea of how he wants to play football and it needs time to integrate especially when it’s the opposite of how we were playing under Conte. He hasn’t been given it. The World Cup has delayed the arrival of some our stars and the club will be lucky to have a full squad to pick from by the time they play Arsenal in the second week of the season.
However, once they are all up to speed, Chelsea fans can expect a treat. The one touch, quick passing style is easy on the eye and impossible to contain. Jorginho is the man Sarri will rely on to implement his new vision.
What to Expect
Chelsea’s main objective will be to regain their Champions League status and the fans won’t care how they do it, Europa League anyone? If they can do it with attractive football then that’s just a bonus. Keeping hold of their stars will be important and a statement of intent from the owner regardless of where he is allowed to live. I can see them playing the kids in Europe to save the first XI for the league to ensure a top four finish.
It’s crowded up there and beating the other big sides will dictate if they can play in Europe’s top tier once more. A fourth placed finish for Sarri’s men.