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Football London
Football London
Sport
Bobby Vincent

What Chelsea's FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool means for Thomas Tuchel and Todd Boehly

Todd Boehly would not have been under any illusion when he agreed terms for his consortium to become the new ownership group of Chelsea Football Club. Boehly has now seen three matches since the Blues released a statement about the deal they had struck with the American billionaire.

The first was a home draw with Wolves. Boehly saw his new side go 2-0 up at Stamford Bridge, but then witnessed how quickly things can change and a result can swing in the Premier League, with Wolves drawing 2-2.

Then, a trip to Leeds United followed a few days later. It was a solid performance from Chelsea, who won 3-0, but in truth, Leeds were their own enemies on the day.

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp reveals what gave Liverpool the edge over Chelsea in FA Cup final penalty shootout

The big one came on Sunday evening - a third trip to Wembley for Chelsea this season. Liverpool, again, but this time for the FA Cup final.

Similarly to the Carabao Cup final - and the two Premier League fixtures this season, in fact, - the two teams could not be separated. Considering all of the talk about how Liverpool and Manchester City are essentially in a league of their own, Chelsea can hold their heads up high knowing that the Reds haven’t been able to beat them, in normal time, this season.

So, judging by that, the summer transfer market could be a quiet one, right? No chance.

Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are off and if reports are to be believed, then Cesar Azpilicueta could be joining them. If all three of them leave, then Chelsea absolutely need to bring in another two, or possibly even three, centre-backs to the club.

The left wing-back area needs to be improved, too. Of course Ben Chilwell should be back for the start of next season, all being well and good, but the drop off between the England international and Marcos Alonso is too big. Alonso has also been linked with a move away from the Blues in recent weeks.

Jorginho and N’Golo Kante continue to be linked with exits from Stamford Bridge, with Ross Barkley looking almost certain to leave. A new top-class central midfielder needs to come in - someone of the Declan Rice ilk.

There’s a chance Chelsea could be priced out of a move for Rice, though, with football.london being told West Ham United are determined to keep hold of the defensive midfielder this summer and will not entertain any offers. If that is the case, then the Blues need to look at alternatives. A long-term partner for Mateo Kovacic is needed.

Then, onto the attackers. There’s been plenty of matches recently where Chelsea have had so many opportunities, but they have ultimately been wasted and it ends up costing the side.

If you log onto social media after these matches, then there are some reactionary Chelsea supporters on there who blame Thomas Tuchel. But if the German coach sets his side up and they’re creating chances, then there’s nothing else he can really do. He becomes powerless when his forwards have a chance on goal.

Romelu Lukaku has come into some form recently, but the Belgian striker was ineffective in the final. Ibrahima Konate was the man tasked to mark Lukaku and he completely dominated him, both in the air and on the floor.

The likes of Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic had so many opportunities between them but were unable to find the back of the net. Hakim Ziyech came on and failed to make an impact. His career seems to be at a crossroads when the summer transfer window rolls around.

Thomas Tuchel needs to be backed by the new ownership group in the summer. There is set to be a huge squad revamp. Players leaving, and crucially, top-class players need to come in the other way.

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