This is the first edition of our new CareFreeChelsea series: The Shed Inbox, where one of our team of writers will step up and answer questions on the Blues.
It is hard to discuss anything about Chelsea at the current moment without it linking back to the uncertainty of the takeover and how that impacts literally everything at Stamford Bridge.
Apologies to those questions I couldn't get round to but picked out a range of topics to go at for our very first Shed Inbox, so let's get going.
READ MORE: Rudiger gone, Kounde signed: 3 ways Thomas Tuchel could set up his Chelsea defence next season
@RJ_Goodthings: If you were the owner, what would be the order of things you would focus on based on the below (1 = highest): first team maintenance, recruitment strategy, academy, women's team, commercial/branding, finances/expenses, other?
DC: I'd like to say finances and expenses should go top of the tree, particularly as that impacts all facets of the club. The recruitment strategy for the men's and women's teams have felt different in their execution and success. So with Emma Hayes, I wouldn't look to be changing too much culturally, just ensuring the continued support so the team can grow.
For men, first-team maintenance and strategy over this summer are imperative, so for me, that comes second – followed by the academy which has proved such an incredible source of talent to improve the first-team.
Maybe it's the fan in me but commercial and branding feel like they should be bottom here. even though I'm sure in reality it is higher. I just think if you get the team right and winning, surely branding it becomes easier?
@VialliChelseaFC: What you would like to see happen in terms of player acquisitions this summer versus what you feel will actually happen?
DC: Dream summer for me would be Jules Kounde in defence with Levi Colwill returning from Huddersfield, Borna Sosa from Stuttgart as a left wing-back, Declan Rice AND Aurelien Tchouameni. And in attack, a maverick wide player – either Raphinha from Leeds or Ousmane Dembele can reunite with Thomas Tuchel.
In reality, I think Kounde comes, one of Rice or Tchouameni and some kind of attacker. As with Chelsea, I have serious concerns it will be someone who limits our options.
@DJMC69552766: Shall we sell one of Jorgi/Kante?
DC: I'd sell both personally this summer. I've got the full Jorginho experience, there's no third act twist coming here and I've had my fill. Kante has sadly looked like a shell of his former self and this summer is the long-overdue midfield revamp we've needed for ages.
@mike__1110: What have you made of the atmosphere at the Bridge in recent games?
DC: Not great. I think you can feel the sense of exhaustion over this season, and the takeover draining fans. It has not been helped by performances and results at home, which have been pretty woeful recently. The late Christian Pulisic goal against West Ham gave us all a massive moment of jubilation. Hopefully by the start of next season with a new era and sanctions gone, there will be a fresh charge of energy.
@Oseiasantemyke: Who's your preferred bidder among the shortlisted three?
From early on I've preferred the Todd Boehly consortium – oh is this a cheap plug for an article? It is. You can read my thoughts on why here. But in short – previous winning experience with LA Dodgers, prioritising expertise and length of time interested in buying Chelsea do play their part.
@CallYouDave: What areas, in your opinion, are Manchester City and Liverpool ahead of us and how should Chelsea go about addressing the gap?
How long have we got? I'd say it comes down to structure and consistency. Both Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola are in very special positions at elite clubs to remain in place for this long and have clubs effectively built around their vision. But in recruitment, it is supplying that coach with adequate brushes to paint his masterpiece.
Few signings City and Liverpool make look awkwardly out of place, incapable of settling or flowing in the system. The profiles match the style and that makes their integration easier. At Chelsea, it has felt the opposite in many cases. They also now both have the quality depth that supplements the first-choice options.
As I picked with my dream signings, players who are more versatile are key and able to counter-press relentlessly, a key part of Tuchel's game plan.
@augri_: Is the fact that we missed out on European football only once in the last 20 years underappreciated by Chelsea fans and the football critique in general?
DC: Maybe, but you have to factor in the reality of Chelsea's financial weight and the quality of the squad. Not only is Chelsea one of the Premier League's wealthiest clubs but also Europe's. Based on the wages we pay and the quality of players we buy, plus the coach, we should be qualifying for Europe nine times out of 10.
I could counter this by saying we recently went seven years without winning a single Champions League knockout tie, something that if you deem yourself as an elite club, shouldn't be happening. We've got two European cups and two Europa League crowns which is ridiculous when you consider all four of those titles were won in under a decade.
