Predicted position by Guardian writers: 7th (Note: This reflects the collective predictions of our writers rather than an individual forecast by John Brewin)
Previous season’s position: 6th
Prospects
Describing Chelsea in 2024-25 as enigmatic barely scratches the surface. The aftermath of their 2021 Champions League victory has been a wild ride of chaos and uncertainty. The football community watches in disbelief as a storied club is repurposed into an investment tool by its venture capitalist owners.
The constant player turnover matches the ownership’s impatience with coaching staff. Nonetheless, last season saw marked yet quiet progress under Mauricio Pochettino, achieving sixth place and securing European football for this season. Although they narrowly lost the Carabao Cup final after extra time, it highlighted a notable improvement with a young and haphazardly assembled squad. Pochettino’s exit by mutual consent was expected, as he seemed resigned to this fate.
A growing urgency to rectify the financial situation following a notorious, billion-pound transfer spree and a drive for “pure profit” has placed Trevoh Chalobah and Conor Gallagher—who is in talks with Atlético Madrid—on the market. The academy, having lost significant longtime staff, now bears the task of cultivating high-quality talent for sale.
There is genuine talent within the squad, but it remains uncertain if Cole Palmer can replicate his past miracles. Will Chelsea supporters be offered more than just glimpses of Christopher Nkunku, who faced injury troubles last season? Similarly, Roméo Lavia had limited exposure, and Reece James’s physical issues also hindered his contributions. Yet, the season holds promise; besides Palmer, Malo Gusto flourished under Pochettino, while Marc Cucurella flourished during Euro 2024, shedding the perception of being a £62m misstep. Still, the multitude of uncertainties leaves expectations of the Chelsea project’s new undertaking up in the air.
The Manager
The hiring of Enzo Maresca, who lacks top division experience, indicates that the managerial role isn’t prioritized within the ownership’s business structure. Maresca, however, is not entirely inexperienced, having dabbled in English football since his youth days at West Brom. He was handpicked by Pep Guardiola as an assistant and led Leicester to a Championship victory last season, showcasing a significant edge until a few setbacks in mid-February. Despite accusations of rigid gameplay reliant on counter-pressing—similar to the style of his close friend Roberto De Zerbi—this trendy approach caught the attention of Chelsea’s ownership. Successfully managing upwards and navigating the club’s internal and external politics will be crucial for him, daunting tasks that even Pochettino found challenging.
Off-Field Picture
The BlueCo ownership, now steered by Todd Boehly and, more prominently, Behdad Eghbali, appears increasingly inconspicuous, and questions surrounding its viability grow. The pursuit of profitability and sustainability hangs heavily over Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, financial strategies that resemble desperation, such as selling the two hotels on the property and reorganizing the women’s team, reflect poor commercial foresight. Recent missteps with fans—including rising ticket prices, unpopular initiatives such as the Dugout Club, and cuts to support for travelling fans—have spurred backlash from organized supporter groups. Comparison to the more stable era under Roman Abramovich is stark, leaving long-standing Chelsea followers reminiscing about the club’s 1970s financial downturn.
Breakout Star
Chelsea has developed an unfortunate tendency to part with promising talent. The consideration of Gallagher’s sale came amidst concerns about his fit within Maresca’s possession-oriented game, paving the way for Lavia to take a midfield spot. However, like many recent signings, Lavia has faced injury setbacks. A year ago, Liverpool was dismayed at being outbid for him at £58m, as he could only manage 32 minutes of play all season due to ankle and muscle injuries—clearly a personal disaster for someone who previously dazzled with Southampton. He will face competition from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, whom Maresca brought from Leicester, and Carney Chukwuemeka, another young player eager to overcome injury woes. Yet, Lavia has shown promise during pre-season and possesses skills that go beyond Gallagher’s.
Romeo Lavia of Chelsea during a training session at PACE Academy on August 5, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photograph: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC/Getty Images
The A-Lister
The finest English talent in last season’s Premier League, alongside fellow Stockport native Phil Foden, was Palmer, who seemed unfazed by the surrounding turmoil. With a self-confidence reminiscent of Liam Gallagher and without pretense in media portrayals, Palmer has reached a status rarely matched: questions now arise regarding Guardiola’s decision to let him leave Manchester City. Notably, his £40m transfer fee may stand as the one true bargain of the BlueCo era. Although his unique, agile, long-legged style evokes thoughts of Chris Waddle in his prime at Marseille, he brings an added burst of speed, pinpoint finishing, and a composed approach to penalty kicks. Chelsea, perhaps serendipitously, may have found a franchise player in Palmer. The key question remains—can he sustain this level of performance? His confidence suggests he will strive to do so.
This Summer’s Activities
The saga surrounding Enzo Fernández, specifically his social media livestream following Argentina’s Copa América win—which reportedly alienated many of his Francophone teammates—paints a picture of a squad experiencing tension. This embarrassment loomed over the club’s tour of the US. Official channels have attempted to downplay the incident, as has Wesley Fofana, who pointedly remarked that Fernández’s actions were far from acceptable. On a lighter note, Cucurella’s success at the Euros has led to a commercial campaign for beer, though some unsavory sections of supporters’ chants were toned down. Meanwhile, Ben Chilwell likely viewed Euro 2024 wondering why Gareth Southgate delayed reinstating a competent left-back.
