Chelsea players are rightly being slammed for their performances in recent weeks in the fall out to the 3-1 loss to Arsenal. For a side so expensively assembled, the team has failed to live up to any expectations and continues to crumble and show very few signs of positivity.
It has left fans red-faced but also freshly apathetic in a campaign that was as good as over after January. Tickets for matches home and away against the top four are practically being given away and the exchange from the club is as busy as ever.
Even Frank Lampard's return hasn't managed to spark a change in attitude, let alone performances. With over one-third of teams in the league now competing for a Champions League spot year-on-year, the 2023/24 season promises to be as tough as ever.
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Should Chelsea make it back to where they have established themselves as over the past two decades they will have to beat Newcastle, Brighton, Tottenham and Liverpool, all of whom will be ready to go again. For Chelsea, they will likely have a completely diferent squad next season.
There has already been mass change of an unprecedented level in the past 12 months and the summer looks set to continue in the same vein. The squad needs cutting down by at least eight spots and that's before taking into account returning loanees, pre-agreed signings or new transfers.
It isn't impossible that at least 15 first teamers are axed in the next window. It will leave the new manager, who football.london still expects to be Mauricio Pochettino despite the lack of fresh update on his situation, with a big task at hand but also the chance to bend and mould a squad to their will.
Here's how they could look come week one of next season...
Andre Onana
The first of several new signings in this squad. Chelsea are looking for a new shot-stopper and Andre Onana is on the short-list. Inter Milan's current No1 has gained attention for his quality on the ball and ability to sweep up at the back. The keeper position is certainly a point for improvement over the summer and Onana is an avenue to explore further.
Reece James
He's a potential captain for the club and is one of the best players in his spot in the world on his day. If James can stay fit then he will be one of the most important players for a rebuild.
Wesley Fofana
Due to the length of this season it's easy to forget Fofana only joined last year. Plagued by injury and in an unsettled team, he has still impressed when called upon. His pace and aggressive nature make him a good fit for a Pochettino side.
Benoit Badiashile
His Under-23 French teammate can count himself unlucky that more minutes haven't come his way since January. He has looked assured by and large and is another player that can be worked with and developed.
Ben Chilwell
Just like James, Chilwell is a mainstay in the side and signed a new deal last month keeping him at SW6. He's got imperative leadership qualities and offers balance in defence and attack. Who plays back-up to him between Marc Cucurella and the potential return of Ian Maatsen is perhaps more interesting.
Declan Rice
It might seem like a pipedream now that the Champions League attraction is gone but Rice is a Chelsea fan. He has been tempted by the club before and in defensive midfield is one of the key areas to address in the summer. Signing someone of Rice's quality and profile to partner Enzo Fernandez should be among the priorities for incomings.
Enzo Fernandez
Despite a quick, flashy start to life in England, Fernandez has been restrained by wider failings of the group. He has no anchor next to him and the faltering attack doesn't help his style either. With a true rock like Rice next to him, the 22-year-old can be truly unleashed.
Mason Mount
Keeping hold of Mount is about as important as any signing that could be made. He appears to fit a Pochettino XI down to the ground and would keep some sense of Chelsea identity flowing. He can return to his attacking No8 role with Rice in the midfield too, moving into a No10 slot when needed.
Mykhailo Mudryk
The Ukrainian, like Badiashile, Noni Madueke and Fernandez, has shown flashes of quality but not yet enough to earn many points since his dramatic move in the winter. His skill, pace and threat on the ball make him a near undroppable next season for any manager.
Harry Kane
Okay, certainly the most unrealistic part of this team but Chelsea need a striker, Kane is set to garner a lot of attention and Pochettino, right? It feels a long way off and it probably is. Someone has to lead the line for this team and if you live a little and sale close to the wind, just imagine it.
Christopher Nkunku
A penny for the thoughts of Nkunku, for a start. What must he be contemplating as he watches his new team drop down the league? Just like Pochettino, though, it's a chance for the 25-year-old to stamp his authority on the side and to be the catalyst for change.
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