This season was one of progress for Chelsea, at least in the mind of Thomas Tuchel. "It has, in general, been a big step in the general direction in terms of consistency for us. If you look at the last year, we have only been in the top three, this is very good," the Blues head coach said after the final game of the season against Watford on Sunday.
"But there is always room for improvement. The level of consistency from Man City and Liverpool was too much for us, it was too high. It will not get easier to close this gap because while we are forced to be passive [in the transfer market], they are improving their squads. But this is the challenge, and we need to be fast and smart when it's possible to have a competitive team."
This summer is a big one for Chelsea. The club will be under new ownership for the first time in 19 years, and there is much work to be done in the transfer market to give Tuchel a squad capable of taking another step forward next season. For now, though, the club is in limbo.