It shouldn’t feel like this. The apprehension. The disillusionment. The hostility. Yet it does. Time away hasn’t helped, nor the distraction of a winter World Cup. Pessimism has continued to permeate the Chelsea fanbase.
It’s why few supporters are stirred by the resumption of the Premier League season, and why fewer will watch tomorrow evening’s game against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge with genuine enthusiasm.
Fatigue is partly to blame. This has been a year like no other; one even the madcap football club that is Chelsea is unlikely to repeat. A required sale, government sanctions, two cup final defeats, new owners, the departure of a beloved head coach, injuries aplenty, and a relentless autumn fixture schedule. The emotional overload is indisputable.
