Pre-season operations are exclusively focused on performance, rather than the outcome of matches. It necessitates an understanding of what team managers are aiming to get out of each game. They could be looking to shape the physical condition of their team or hammer out specific strategies. Pre-season games are essentially stepping stones towards a bigger goal. No one should take pre-season results too seriously.
However, despite this predecessor, it’s difficult to disregard Chelsea’s pre-season performance without feeling a pang of worry. Enzo Maresca’s track record at this point in his tenure as Chelsea coach is discouraging: six games played, and only one won. This victory was against Club América, the Mexican champs, who currently stand ninth four games into the new Mexican season. Chelsea’s lineup for their practice matches also includes reigning champions from England, Spain, Scotland, and Italy, as well as Wrexham, the latest team to be promoted from League Two. It has been a no doubt tough run for them.
In their game against Manchester City, Chelsea were two goals down within five minutes, due to a soft penalty and a misguided back-pass. The game’s 4-2 defeat perhaps doesn’t accurately signify the flow of the game, so mitigation is possible.
However, it is not just about the outcomes. There is also an unsettling feeling of disorder. After the initial investment spree post the Clearlake takeover, with a massive £1 billion splashed out on 28 key players, it was anticipated that a period of stability would ensue. The acquisition of younger players was intended to ensure a less disruptive progression of the project. It was expected that players would mature and make their mark at the club. However, this summer has seen an additional nine players join, costing £160 million, with plans for two more to follow next season.
An unsuccessful negotiation for the contract of the highly appreciated young forward Samu Omorodion from Atlético resulted in a potential move to snatch João Félix. The club’s actions are reminiscent of those of an addict, recklessly seeking the thrill of a new acquisition. If an Atlético forward rejects the move, why not attempt to get another one, regardless of the difference in their profiles?
Discussions are reportedly underway to secure Victor Osimhen from Napoli, a transfer that could see Romelu Lukaku – astoundingly still a Chelsea player – heading in the opposite direction. Lukaku has been a Chelsea asset for six terms, split into two episodes, playing in 159 league games – only a slim chunk of those, 36 games, being for Chelsea as he was loaned to West Brom, Everton, Internazionale, and Roma.
Pedro Neto has been the significant scoop this summer, having been purchased from Wolves for a hefty £51 million. With his 24 years of age, persistent nuisance to full-backs, and indisputable footballing talents, it requires suppressing concern about his goal output. His signing is much in line with the pre-Clearlake Chelsea style. However, where does his addition leave the current platoon of wide forwards? Could it imply that the likes of Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Noni Madueke do not quite measure up to Chelsea’s standards?
Filip Jørgenson has been added as the seventh custodian of their goalposts. Omari Kellyman is another addition among players who can operate behind the striker. Like a jittery bride concerned about her wedding venue, Lewis Hall was exchanged for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
The trend here seemingly revolves around investing in young talents, with an expected goal of future trading. Such trading will be crucial to adhere to profit and sustainability norms. Long-term contracts coupled with amortisation serve as a clever accounting strategy for immediate spending, however, bills will ultimately have to be settled.
Hence, Chelsea have let go of Hall, Omari Hutchinson, and Ian Maatsen for a joint £86 million. The impending transfer of Conor Gallagher, who may join Atlético, and possible sale of Trevoh Chalobah, linked to Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, might increase that number to nearly £150 million. All these players are academy graduates, thus every penny is sheer profit, with no amortised fee to be accounted for. It’s only a matter of time before Chelsea exhausts its supply of academy players to sell.
It’s easy to overlook that Chelsea performed remarkably well post-Christmas in the previous season, cruising their way to a place in the Europa League and advancing to the League Cup finals. However, when Mauricio Pochettino agreed to a mutual departure – often a coded phrase, he seemed anything but disappointed to be leaving behind the ensuing tumult, which now features a £100 million priced midfielder, Enzo Fernández, who was caught up in a wave of racist and homophobic chanting while celebrating victory in the Copa América.
Maresca does have reasons to remain hopeful: Cole Palmer had an outstanding performance the last season; Malo Gusto is a distinct rising star; and Marc Cucurella, despite his initial struggles, flourished towards the end and had an exceptionally successful Euro season. Christopher Nkunku finally appears to be in sound health following a season marred by injuries. Chelsea boasts a plethora of skilled players; yet, amid the incessant clamour, it’s unclear whether any coach will be able to form a strategic gameplay for them.
The icons of disruption have indeed disrupted, but there must come a time when the disruption needs to halt.