There is no denying that it has been an absolutely terrible season for Chelsea. Just like last season, which was a disaster, they are languishing in mid-table amid poor coaching and underperformances. The key difference between this season and last, is that they still have plenty of time to climb the table and secure European qualification for next season.
Qualifying for Europe is a must, given the amount of money spent and the potential punishments they may face next season as a result of previous dealings under Roman Abramovich’s ownership. Whether that be a points deduction or a transfer ban, securing a place in one of Europe’s competitions gives them another avenue to qualify again in the following season should their league position not allow it.
Currently, the Blues sit 11th on 39 points, though have at least one game in hand on all the teams above them. For context, this is just five less than they picked up in the whole of the 22/23 season, signifying just how dismal their campaign was. The Premier League could get an extra Champions League spot next season, depending on how the English clubs perform in the competitions this year. This would mean that another place would be open for the Europa Conference League, with seventh place up for grabs. Occupying that spot right now is West Ham, who are on 44 points with 29 games played. Chelsea trail them by five points with two games in hand, so a top seven finish is definitely within their sights. To aim higher, they are eight behind Manchester United in sixth with a game in hand, and the two clubs are set to meet next week. After blowing the chance to secure European football through winning the Carabao Cup, they will have the opportunity to qualify via the FA Cup, in which they will face Manchester City in the semi-finals next month.
Of course, a club the size of Chelsea should not deem this season a ‘success’ or ‘acceptable’ if they were to finish strongly, though there are a number of factors as to why they are where they are. Mismanagement, injuries, and new, young players has meant they have been playing catch-up all season long. The amount of injuries the side has suffered from is absurd, and has drawn serious questions towards the methods of the coaching staff in training. They have missed huge players in Reece James and Christopher Nkunku for the most part of the season, and Romeo Lavia has played a mere 32 minutes, and will not play again this year. Every week a new player is added to the injury report, a list that sees as many as 10 sidelined for a game.
However, according to the Premier League, of the teams around them, Chelsea have the third easiest fixture list remaining, which should see a surge in the table. There are no excuses not to, they have a home game against Burnley this weekend, and still have to play the teams around them, including Man United, West Ham and Brighton. It will be an intense battle, but one the Blues should expect to prevail in. The inconsistencies that have plagued them all season still exist, but if Mauricio Pochettino wants any hope of keeping his job beyond this summer, it is a fight he will have to win.
With 11 games remaining, Chelsea’s season is far from over. Their home form has been strong lately, they have lost just once at Stamford Bridge since late October and they have six left to play there. It could also easily go the other way, if their struggles of the past continue to haunt them, but they can rely on the fantastic performances of the likes of Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto, as well as the increasing confidence of striker Nicolas Jackson to lead them to some more wins to climb the table.
Football Enquirer 
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