“Best time to leave the club” – Chelsea must sell £200k-p/w outcast who Granovskaia dubbed “fantastic”

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Chelsea’s Revival Under Enzo Maresca: A Fresh Dawn at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea appears to have turned a new leaf after two tumultuous years, with Enzo Maresca steering the ship toward calmer waters.

The Italian manager has guided the Blues to four consecutive victories in the Europa Conference League, placing them comfortably at the top of their group. Simultaneously, Chelsea is thriving in the Premier League, currently just seven points shy of second-place Liverpool.

Maresca’s impressive track record includes leading Leicester City back to the Premier League by winning the Championship in his sole season as head coach. His tenure at Chelsea is shaping up to be a pivotal chapter, though it naturally draws comparisons to past appointments, such as Frank Lampard’s managerial stint.

Frank Lampard’s Journey as Chelsea Manager

A Promising Start at Derby County

Frank Lampard’s rise to Chelsea’s managerial role felt like destiny. After beginning his coaching career at Derby County in 2018, Lampard quickly made a name for himself, taking the Rams to the Championship playoff final. Despite narrowly losing to Aston Villa, his efforts garnered widespread acclaim.

In the summer of 2019, Lampard was unexpectedly announced as Chelsea’s new manager. His debut season brought mixed fortunes: a fourth-place finish in the Premier League and an FA Cup final appearance. However, Arsenal dashed hopes of silverware, leaving Lampard without a trophy.

Struggles in the 2020/21 Season

Anticipation was high for Lampard’s second season, particularly with the lifting of a transfer embargo. However, the campaign faltered, and Chelsea’s board made the decision to part ways with Lampard in January 2021, as the club languished in ninth place.

Lampard’s Transfer Window: Hits and Misses

The summer of 2020 marked Lampard’s first opportunity to strengthen Chelsea’s squad. He oversaw the acquisitions of high-profile players like Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Thiago Silva, Hakim Ziyech, and Edouard Mendy. These signings proved instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph that same season.

One of the standout additions was Ben Chilwell, a £45 million signing from Leicester City. Chelsea’s director Marina Granovskaia hailed Chilwell as a critical addition, citing his potential to solidify the left-back position for years to come.

Ben Chilwell’s Chelsea Career: A Rollercoaster Ride

Bright Beginnings

Chilwell’s debut season was one to remember. He featured in 42 matches across all competitions, playing a key role in Chelsea’s Champions League success.

Injuries and Inconsistencies

However, injuries marred Chilwell’s subsequent campaigns. He managed only 13 appearances in his second season and struggled for consistency due to recurring knee and hamstring issues. Despite these setbacks, Chilwell demonstrated his quality when fit, delivering respectable performances under Mauricio Pochettino.

Why Chelsea Should Consider Selling Ben Chilwell

Lack of Game Time

Under Maresca, Chilwell has found himself on the periphery, making just one senior appearance this season—a League Cup victory over Barrow. Despite his solid showing in that match, including two key passes and a 100% duel success rate, it wasn’t enough to secure more opportunities.

Depth in the Left-Back Position

Chelsea’s current squad boasts ample depth on the left flank. Marc Cucurella, fresh from his Euro 2024 victory with Spain, is the first-choice left-back, while Levi Colwill and Renato Viega offer reliable cover.

Financial Implications

Chilwell’s hefty £200,000 weekly wage is difficult to justify given his limited contributions. With his contract running until 2027, selling him in January could allow Chelsea to recoup a significant fee and reinvest in areas of greater need.