Explore the unraveling of Chelsea FC under Todd Boehly’s ownership. From a record-breaking takeover to the ensuing chaos in the following months.
Boehly led the £4.5 billion takeover of Chelsea in May 2022, which became a record deal in professional sports. Since the takeover, the American and his cohorts spent over £600m in the transfer market, buying 17 players and appointing four managers. The Blues managed to obtain 11 wins to finish 12th in the Premier League with a -9 goal difference and on 44 points; their worst-ever points tally in the domestic division. The aftermath of the record-breaking takeover of CFC left the outfit in disarray, a stark contrast to the high hopes that accompanied the massive deal. The Blues found themselves mired in a season nobody could have predicted.
Chelsea’s managerial merry-go-round
In one season, Chels‘ had four managers who combined for 44 points. The Blues sacked one of their most successful coach Thomas Tuchel just seven games into the season after spending £278.4 million backing him with new players and a bolstered squad. Tuchel did not get off to a flying start but with his record at the Bridge, there was more than enough evidence to show he could have gotten a tune out of the squad. The new ownership decided to go for a manager that shared their vision and hired Graham Potter.
Boehly’s Potter experiment did not work out as the Englishman was let go after just six months in charge. Potter could not identify his best XI and the performances under him lacked identity and were miles away from what he was producing with Brighton & Hove Albion. The ex-Brighton coach was signed on a five-year deal but was not trusted enough by the ownership.
The Blues wanted to steady the ship and get through the season. The club decided to go for Frank Lampard, who had an abysmal record with Everton in the same season. The Toffees were battling relegation when they sacked Lampard. Even with a better squad at Stamford Bridge, the Englishman’s struggles continued as he was not able to improve the situation. The managerial saga at SW6 displayed the lack of planning and inexperience of the new regime.