The 2022/23 season will be the one Chelsea fans have been waiting for. How could I not, this season was the first time in almost 19 years that Chelsea were not under Roman Abramovich’s control. The Russian tycoon’s tenure as owner of the London club moved to Boehly at the end of last May. Boehly also took time to attend Chelsea’s match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge Stadium on 7 May.
Chelsea supporters are waiting for the steps that will be taken by the new owner. Boehly’s changes at Chelsea have also been made, starting from releasing Marina Granovskaia who is the club’s director. Likewise with Petr Cech who often interacts in the player transfer process. While Thomas Tuchel is still given the trust to coach Chelsea which will definitely be an evaluation in the next year.
Because the same thing happened in the first season when Abramovich was in power since 2003. At that time, Claudio Ranieri was given one season before being replaced by Jose Mourinho the following season. Careful preparations need to be made by Tuchel considering that several of his flagship players have left.
Antonio Rudiger, who is a mainstay at the back, has joined Real Madrid. Anders Christensen has not been extended his contract and has been introduced to a Barcelona player. There are currently three central defenders, namely Thiago Silva, Malang Sarr and Trevoh Chalobah. Thiago Silva is 38 years old this season, so his pace has likely decreased. While Chalobah and Sarr have not been fully reliable because they have not been consistent throughout last season.
The use of the Tuchel-style central three-back format and the current conditions, at least Chelsea must bring in two or three experienced central defenders in the transfer period this summer. It is also hoped that they can immediately adapt to the coach’s playing pattern. This is necessary considering Chelsea will play in four competitions next season, namely the English Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup. Chelsea wing-backs are also certainly not spared the need for the presence of new player options. The long injury suffered by Ben Chilwell in the first half of last season’s competition, as well as the injury to Reece James had an impact on the wing-back’s contribution. Where the two wing-backs are one of the mainstays who are expected to be able to provide mature feedback into the opponent’s penalty box. The midfield was Chelsea’s mainstay in the Premier League last season.
This can be seen from Chelsea’s top scorer in the English Premier League last season, a midfielder, namely Mason Mount with 11 goals. The movement of the midfielders needs to be maintained and even improved to support the performance of both the back and front lines. Tuchel must be able to eliminate dependence on one player. Because when the player cannot play, it will certainly have an effect on the team’s game.
The issue of Hakim Ziyech’s departure to AC Milan is certainly not expected by the fans, his contribution is still expected next season. The attack line is a part that at least should get extra attention from Chelsea management. In the last four seasons, no Chelsea striker has scored more than 20 goals in the Premier League.
Finally, Diego Costa reached the goal in the 2016/17 season. After Costa’s death, the closest achievement was obtained by Tammy Abraham with 15 goals in the 2019/20 English Premier League. In fact, Chelsea’s front line is not scary for opponents after their death so far. Michy Batshuayi’s return from loan at Besiktas is uncertain. Whether tuchel will use the services of Batshuayi or not.
If the Belgian striker is maintained, it will become a competitor to Timo Werner. However, adding one striker is an option that Tuchel should consider, considering Werner’s performances have been inconsistent since coming in the 2020 summer transfer window. Until 9 July 2022, when compared to his fellow Big Six competitors in the English Premier League, Chelsea are the only clubs that have not brought in new players.
Arsenal have just signed Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City. Losing Jesus was not so obvious because he immediately brought in Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund. Liverpool also bought Darwin Nunez from Benfica. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have introduced Richarlison (Everton) and Ivan Perisic (Inter Milan). Don’t forget Manchester United, who just bought Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord Rotterdam.
Some players have started to be rumored to be close to Chelsea. The latest news says two Manchester City players, namely Nathan Ake and Raheem Sterling will become Chelsea players. If the two players join, of course, it will provide new additional power. However, to be able to compete in the top flight this means that Chelsea management must spend even more. This is because the prices of players have soared.
The loan option for players who have minimal playing time is certainly an alternative, but of course it must be able to contribute to the club. The English Premier League will be held in less than a month, namely on August 6, 2022. Chelsea must immediately improve by completing their squad to compete with the other Big Six.
If there are no significant changes of course it will be very difficult to keep up with the top. The selection of players who are not close to the transfer deadline will certainly provide an opportunity to adapt to the coach’s strategy. A new season for Chelsea in the hands of a new owner, new hopes are certainly inflated to see the English Premier League trophy Return to Stamford Bridge after the last time it was won in the 2016/17 season.
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