Chelsea’s 2022-23 season was undoubtedly their worst in recent memory, with poor performances, multiple managerial changes, and a lack of silverware. This season hasn’t been much better, as they have already set an unwanted club record for the most Premier League goals conceded. While they are currently three places higher in the league compared to last year, they are only four points ahead of 12th-placed Wolves.
The biggest challenge for Chelsea now is to prove that they can finish the season on a positive note. Last season, their poor finish ultimately condemned them to a dismal campaign. They won only one of their last 14 games and ended up losing nine. The atmosphere at the training ground was described as one of the worst ever known, with many players already planning their transfers away.
This season seems to be following a similar pattern to the previous one. Their defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup came at a similar stage to their loss to Real Madrid last year. They had seven Premier League games left after their FA Cup exit and started their run-in with a heavy 5-0 defeat to Arsenal. The challenge now for Mauricio Pochettino and his squad is to avoid a repeat of last year’s collapse.
However, there are several factors that could make this task even more difficult. Chelsea’s financial situation and the need to comply with profit and sustainability rules may result in player sales, creating uncertainty within the squad. Additionally, the managerial situation is far from stable, with Pochettino’s future potentially up for review at the end of the season.
The pressure is on for Chelsea to finish strong, but their recent performance against Arsenal raises concerns about whether the players have the motivation and confidence to do so. Pochettino has called on personal pride to drive his players’ performance, emphasizing that they should always be motivated to play for Chelsea regardless of the circumstances.
The deteriorating mood among Chelsea’s attendees is also affecting the players’ performance. Negativity has spread throughout the fan base, with anger directed towards both the ownership and the players. This hostile atmosphere may hinder the players’ ability to express themselves freely on the pitch.
However, Pochettino sees this as an opportunity for the players to prove their worth. He believes that they need to show they deserve to be part of the first-team picture next season. The players must provide a positive response and demonstrate their hunger and desire to succeed.
Ultimately, Chelsea’s season hangs in the balance. They have a chance to salvage it by finishing strong in their remaining games. Pochettino and his squad must overcome the challenges they face, both on and off the pitch, and prove that they are capable of better performances and results. The next month will be a true test of their character and determination.