Christensen’s antics should be a lesson towards Chelsea rebuild
When Thomas Tuchel won Chelsea the Champions League just six months after joining, the despondent West London faithful began dreaming once again, as they always do when a new manager begins to turn things around.
A few months later, Romelu Lukaku’s return was meant to be the missing piece in a revitalised title charge; or at least an attempt to close the gap down between Chelsea and the top two. Fast forward to the end of May, and the Blues find themselves closer to their London rivals than Manchester City and Liverpool.
Managers in the past have condemned the mindset of several Chelsea players as part of their struggles. For a club that’s set to lose a serious kingpin in Antonio Rudiger, and perhaps their club captain Cesar Azpilicueta, the dressing room might be losing key voices, and leaders that have carried them over the past few years.
Chelsea’s off-field obstacles pile up
Just when you thought Todd Boehly’s arrival would ease some nerves and allow Chelsea to focus on the field, Andreas Christensen decided to opt out of the FA Cup final ahead of an impending move to Barcelona.
Tuchel was left short-handed, ahead of what resulted in a fifth straight domestic cup final loss, which was the last thing Chelsea needed.
In stepped Trevoh Chalobah, who had made few appearances of late for unknown reasons. He helped his side keep a clean sheet despite a minor injury that required six stitches post-match. If he could do it, if Mateo Kovacic managed to start and keep up the tempo with a swollen left ankle, and if a 37-year-old Thiago Silva played with cramps for 120 minutes, surely Christensen could do his manager a favour by simply suiting up for the team that entrusted him after his successful spell with Borussia Monchengladbach.
It’s not the first time a Chelsea player has spurred ethical conduct for personal advantage. Whilst it’s an obvious call for concern, the new-look Blues hierarchy must take this as a lesson for future transfers and roster rejigs.
Boehly and Tuchel need to share a common goal
Alongside the trophies won at the start of the season, there’s a lot to absorb for Boehly and Tuchel.
“He paid some money for it, so I don’t think he is keen to drop the ambition. That would be a big surprise, so no I don’t doubt this. We will share our opinion in more detail over the next weeks and I am sure he is as ambitious to build a competitive Chelsea for the highest level,” said Tuchel when asked about Boehly’s purchase.
There’s no second guessing there, Tuchel prefers to work with an owner who has lofty ambitions. Ahead of a reported £1.75 billion investment in players, facilities and Stamford Bridge, the bottom line should be backing the German.
That very reason has seen many elite managers leave Chelsea, as friction with the board has led to a mixed bag of players with skill sets that don’t suit every system. To reach the level of Manchester City and Liverpool, longevity, common goals in the transfer window and trust in the coach is paramount.
The need for characters
Sometimes you need players to be motivators in the dressing room or at pitch side. Chelsea have shown signs of crumbling whenever a big personality has left them – from Petr Cech to Didier Drogba and most recently, John Terry. The same trend could continue if Azpilicueta leaves.
While they’ll inevitably sign some of the world’s finest talents, Chelsea require lion-hearted characters in the dressing room. That’s the difference between Manchester City and Liverpool – there aren’t many players involved in transfer speculations or who are unhappy with their game time, or lack thereof with the club.
The Blues, and more so Tuchel, deserve a well-settled squad that is ready to wear their hearts on their sleeves and produce results even when luck and injuries might not be on their side.
A change in ownership might allow the club to get rid of players who aren’t living up to their hefty contracts. When you play in one of the most competitive leagues in the world, you need an army of players ready to fight for one another, regardless of what their contract situation might be.
Who could Chelsea target?
Ivan Perisic is one name that could infuse a winning mentality, while bringing experience, and versatility.
Of course, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Declan Rice are names linked with Chelsea. Jules Kounde should fill up a centre-back spot, but the London giants might need another defensive reinforcement or two as Thiago Silva might not be around for much longer.
Regardless, this could be a transfer window that defines Tuchel’s Chelsea career, the club’s future and what life will be like for the Blues under Todd Boehly.
-Akarshak Roy
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak