Under Guus Hiddink the troops at Chelsea were doing well and stabilised themselves until they found the going a bit hard against Paris St Germain in the Champions League. That defeat resonated into their recent Premier League performances with defeat coming away at Swansea and at home against Man City. Chelsea were also knocked out of the FA Cup in March at Everton, so has Hiddink lost his magic touch?
To be honest I just think it has not just been about Chelsea feeling sad for themselves, but they have come up against sides that wanted the wins more. Swansea had every reason to play their socks off at home to Chelsea to edge towards safety while Man City have the top four finish to worry about. But what is there for Chelsea to play for now? A top 10 finish? A chance to play the youngsters?
The announcement of their next manager last week is perhaps an indication that they are a club already looking at the 2016-17 season under Antonio Conte. You might expect some of the Chelsea super stars to start putting in top performances and looking to catch the eye, but I get the feeling that the end of this season can't come soon enough for the players or the fans.
The one good thing that I can see has come out of Chelsea's season is the emergence of Ruben Loftus-Cheek who probably would not have had the chance if Chelsea were competing for a top four place. Whether he gets a look in next season or not, other clubs should be looking to see if they can take him on loan if Chelsea won't sell.
Williain has been the one outstanding player in Chelsea's ranks that has kept his reputation in tact, but on their day players like Fabregas, Costa, Cahill, Matic, Hazard and Courtois can play teams off the park and even an under performing Chelsea side is a match for many of the Premier League clubs. AFCB have seen how going a goal down to this type of team is all top sides need to get a real grip on a game and for AFCB there is still much to learn about playing a side like Chelsea - under performers or not.
To be honest I just think it has not just been about Chelsea feeling sad for themselves, but they have come up against sides that wanted the wins more. Swansea had every reason to play their socks off at home to Chelsea to edge towards safety while Man City have the top four finish to worry about. But what is there for Chelsea to play for now? A top 10 finish? A chance to play the youngsters?
Chelsea's players have had a strange and disappointing season. |
The one good thing that I can see has come out of Chelsea's season is the emergence of Ruben Loftus-Cheek who probably would not have had the chance if Chelsea were competing for a top four place. Whether he gets a look in next season or not, other clubs should be looking to see if they can take him on loan if Chelsea won't sell.
Williain has been the one outstanding player in Chelsea's ranks that has kept his reputation in tact, but on their day players like Fabregas, Costa, Cahill, Matic, Hazard and Courtois can play teams off the park and even an under performing Chelsea side is a match for many of the Premier League clubs. AFCB have seen how going a goal down to this type of team is all top sides need to get a real grip on a game and for AFCB there is still much to learn about playing a side like Chelsea - under performers or not.
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