Chelsea, Boehly, and BlueCo: Insights from The Athletic FC Podcast

Chelsea’s Current State and Future Under Boehly’s Ownership

In a recent episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, Simon Johnson and Matt Slater joined Ayo Akinwolere to discuss Chelsea’s current situation and future under the new ownership of Todd Boehly’s BlueCo. The conversation revealed fascinating insights into the club’s direction, challenges, and expectations.

Chelsea’s Performance: A Mix of Promise and Inconsistency

Chelsea’s recent victory over Newcastle was discussed, with Simon Johnson noting, “It was Chelsea in a nutshell; they had their moments where they look good, but they also had periods where they just couldn’t handle being in front.” This remark encapsulates Chelsea’s current state: a team with potential yet to find consistent form.

The Legacy and Comparison with the Abramovich Era

Matt Slater reflected on Chelsea’s history, especially during the Roman Abramovich era, stating, “Chelsea were a winning machine…they were no bigger than Portsmouth, smaller than Forest…but they were disruptors.” This comparison between the past and present highlights the significant transformation under Abramovich and raises questions about the current trajectory under Boehly.

Blueprint for the Future: Boehly’s Strategy

The discussion shifted to Boehly’s strategy for Chelsea. Johnson observed, “The Abramovich era ended with his longest drought without a title…the new owners come in with this Bram would buy finished articles…but they kind of just almost made up as they went along.” This insight suggests a strategic shift from immediate success to a longer-term vision, focusing on young talent and sustainable growth.

Fan’s Perspectives: Hopes and Concerns

On fan reactions, Johnson said, “Of course, they’re not happy about Chelsea being mid-table…there was an element of okay, roll with the punches and perhaps take a bit of a downturn, but you’re talking about qualifying for the Champions League at least.” This sentiment reflects the high expectations Chelsea fans have, who are accustomed to success and concerned about the current direction.

BlueCo’s Multi-Club Model and Its Impact

The Multi-Club Strategy: Prospects and Challenges

The conversation delved into BlueCo’s multi-club ownership model, a growing trend in football. Matt Slater explained, “The model is where the same person or entity has controlling stakes in more than one club…it’s about Recruitment and development.” This approach, while innovative, presents challenges, especially in maintaining club identity and fan engagement.

Impact on Clubs and Fans

Regarding the multi-club model’s impact, Johnson shared, “Fans don’t want to see to be some kind of project…they had another indication of this last summer…they were looking for a Winger and a left back, and you get the feeling this is where BlueCo perhaps kind of strong-armed them a little bit.” This reveals the tension between club needs and ownership priorities, underscoring the delicate balance required in multi-club ownership.

Final Thoughts

Chelsea’s Future: Uncertain but Hopeful

As the podcast session concluded, the tone was one of cautious optimism. Under Boehly’s stewardship and BlueCo’s multi-club model, Chelsea faces a period of transformation. The club’s ability to balance short-term success with long-term sustainability and fan engagement will be crucial in the coming years.