LONDON (AFP) – Just three years after winning the Champions League, Chelsea now finds themselves in the UEFA Conference League. Following their iconic 1-0 victory over Manchester City in 2021, the club has faced significant turmoil on and off the pitch. What was anticipated as a springboard for success has instead led to struggles, with only Reece James and Ben Chilwell remaining from that squad. This season, Chelsea will play lesser-known teams like Gent and Noah, while key players like Kai Havertz, N’Golo Kante, and Mason Mount have moved on.
Thomas Tuchel was sacked by Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly just over a year after leading the team to victory in Portugal. Since then, Chelsea’s decline has been sharp, with finishes of 12th and sixth and a trophy drought stretching back to 2018. Boehly and co-owner Behdad Eghbali have invested over GBP 1 billion in underperforming signings since taking over in 2022, alongside a series of hasty managerial changes. Their internal conflicts have also hindered progress, with reports of disputes over ownership stakes. Amidst this turmoil, Cole Palmer has emerged as a bright spot, showcasing his talent with four goals in a recent match against Brighton, helping Chelsea to fourth place in the Premier League.
Last season’s PFA Young Player of the Year, Cole Palmer, has already netted six goals in eight matches this season. Under the guidance of Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who recognized his talent in City’s Elite Development Squad, Palmer continues to shine. Maresca praised his consistency and humility, stating, “He’s a top player… he doesn’t need to tell people how good he is.” Though Palmer has been excluded from Chelsea’s Conference League squad to manage his workload, his current form suggests he could be pivotal in more significant European matches next season. Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho noted, “When you have a player like Cole Palmer, then anything is possible.
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