eden101: What are the chances that if we don't get a European spot, including the Conference League, we lose our pull for getting in top talents on board? And what will be the future of Graham Potter if that's the case? I understand sticking with him, but if we go on a losing spree, then what?
Adam says: "Missing out on the Champions League has big consequences, and one of those is that it does make it harder to convince players to sign. Take Jude Bellingham, for instance. Chelsea are already behind Real Madrid, Man City and Liverpool in that race, and it would be near-impossible to convince the midfielder to come to Stamford Bridge without Champions League football on offer.
"Potter's future is more of an unknown. When he was hired, those inside the club claimed that missing out on the top four wouldn't result necessarily result in his sacking.
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"And he continues to have the support of the hierarchy despite recent results. So I think things would have to go seriously wrong on the field for Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali to deviate away from this long-term vision they have for the club. But this is Chelsea..."
cfcbuddy: Why is it taking time for Chelsea to update fans regarding the recruitment teams, and what is the situation with Christopher Vivell and Neil Bath's appointments?
Adam says: "From what I gather, there has been a huge amount of work undertaken in terms of a restructure across different areas of the club – and that work is continuing during the World Cup break. The recruitment team is still being fleshed out, and I would expect another hire or two to join those already announced. Hopefully, there will be greater clarity prior to January.
"Christopher Vivell is still expected to be appointed technical director; there was some talk his appointment would be confirmed soon after that of Paul Winstanley, but obviously, that hasn't happened. Neil Bath's role will see him involved more in first-team matters than under the previous ownership, but he will continue to lead the academy, which is very much the right choice given there is nobody better for that role."
Reebs: While it's fun watching every player in the world being linked to Chelsea, who are the realistic signings in January and next summer?
Adam says: "I'm going to stay away from names for January (for now) as it's always an unpredictable window, and there are still a couple of things that I'd like to get clarified in terms of the recruitment team and who is running the window.
"In terms of the summer, Declan Rice and Bellingham are both high on the agenda. A deal for Christopher Nkunku is also a fair way down the pipeline; that is one that should happen.
"Chelsea remain interested in Josko Gvardiol, having failed to land him in the summer, and he does have a release clause (around €50m) kicking in once this campaign is over. I expect further interest in Rafael Leao, especially if he hasn't signed a new contract with AC Milan.
"Goalkeeper is a position Chelsea are looking into, and I've seen Jordon Pickford's name crop up. I've not heard anything on that, although that doesn't mean the club aren't keeping tabs on the England international."
harry83: When do you think Graham Potter will start playing players in their preferred positions? It is difficult to understand what is the best position for each player based on past performances.
Adam says: "Graham Potter has undoubtedly learned plenty about the players at his disposal over the past couple of months, especially in terms of what certain members of his squad can and can't do in different systems.
"So I expect there to be a more settled side and structure after the World Cup break – and that should enable several players to be used in what they would consider their preferred role. Of course, the wildcard is always injuries. Potter had to experiment more than he ever planned due to the absences of Fofana, James, Kante, Chilwell, etc, and the schedule Chelsea faced. Hopefully, things settle in this respect during the second half of the campaign."
cfcbuddy: Why is Chelsea management yet to submit a proposal for Endrick? We've heard PSG has submitted two proposals already.
"Without going in-depth into how the sausage is made, submitting an offer to Palmeiras is really the last thing that needs to be done by Chelsea in terms of signing Endrick.
The biggest and most important thing is convincing him, his representatives, and his family that joining Chelsea over the likes of Real Madrid and PSG is the best thing for his career. Do that, get a contract agreed upon, and then there is a release clause in his contract set at around £52m, which can be triggered."
harry83: Do you think Graham Potter has the courage to drop a big underperforming name like Raheem Sterling or Kai Havertz?
"Do I think Graham Potter has the courage to leave underperforming players out? Yes. Has he always done so at Chelsea so far? No, but there are reasons for that I feel. As previously discussed, injuries to key players have forced Potter's hand somewhat in terms of team selections, hence why Sterling has been deployed nominally as a wing-back at points.
"There's also dressing room harmony to consider – every player wants to play after all – and that we don't see what happens day in, day out on the training pitches at Cobham.
"On Havertz specifically, he remains a conundrum for coaches and supporters alike. The natural talent in there, that's undeniable. But that is what makes it all the more frustrating when he drifts through matches. Is that the position he's asked to play? Or is that the system used? Perhaps it is a bit of both.
"Yet we're almost approaching Paul Pogba territory in terms of the conditions needed to get a regular tune out of Havertz, who let's not forget cost £71m. It shouldn't be *this* complicated."
