It’s fair to say that Chelsea have fallen behind their rivals the last couple years. From 2004-2016, Chelsea’s run of sustained trophies and success was incredible. 

But those days are long gone. Although the trophies haven’t completely dried out, Chelsea are very clearly on the decline. They’re no longer challenging for titles, but instead are left fighting for a top-4 spot. They’re nowhere near competing for the Champions League, and haven’t been for some time now. In fact, they haven’t even made a Champions League quarterfinal since the 2013/2014 season. The main reason for all these issues, in my eyes at least, is the rise of player power at Chelsea.

Chelsea are no stranger to managerial change, as owner Roman Abramovich is known for pulling the managerial trigger very prematurely at times. However, the issues that plague the club now have been there since the start of Roman’s takeover in 2004. The only difference is, Chelsea’s squad isn’t good enough anymore to sustain this cycle of managerial turnover.

From 2004 to 2010, Chelsea boasted some of the best players in Europe. Lampard, Terry, Drogba, Cech, Cole, Ballack, the list goes on. These were world class players who would slot in to any side in Europe. So when Roman decided to sack a manager, there weren’t any issues. The players were good enough to back up their talk, and they consistently delivered trophies.

That’s all changed. How many world class players do Chelsea currently have? Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante? It’s a shocking decline. From numerous world beaters, to only two superstars in a 23-man squad. 

So then, let’s look at the player power at Chelsea. In this aspect, nothing has really changed. The dressing room is full of big personalities (Willian, Luiz, Alonso, Cahill, etc.), just like the old days. The problem arises when the players decide they don’t want to play for the manager anymore (in this case Sarri). Previously, dressing room munity was generally accepted at Chelsea, because the players would still deliver on the pitch. It wasn’t ideal, but it worked. These days however, they’re just not good enough anymore as a player to back up their talk. A new manager will come in, they’ll get on a good run of form, decide 6 months later that they’re bored, and the cycle will continue.

It’s a flat-out disgrace that the players feel that Sarri’s training methods are “too complicated”. Are they serious? It’s their job to carry out the manager’s tactics, not throw a tantrum because his playing style is a bit confusing or repetitive. 

This toxic environment is what’s keeping Chelsea away from Europe’s elite, and it needs to change in order for Chelsea to return to the top of club football. Maurizio Sarri was hired with a dream in mind; to take Chelsea back to the top of England playing beautiful, expansive football. That dream will never come to fruition if the squad isn’t overhauled, and the manager isn’t backed.

Not to say Sarri isn’t somewhat at fault though, as he does persist with horrid players like Willian, Barkley, and Alonso over Hudson-Odoi, Loftus-Cheek, and Emerson. Then again, if Sarri chooses to drop these aforementioned players, then he might face the axe. He’ll lose the dressing room and he’ll be out of a job by next year. So really, Sarri is in quite a predicament.

The solution? Keep Hazard and overhaul the squad. It’s a huge ask to both, but it’s the bare minimum that Chelsea need to do this summer.

Chelsea need to get rid of their so called “deadwood” and start trusting their own. Players like Hudson-Odoi, Loftus-Cheek, and Christensen are all ready to start. They can look to the transfer market for a few other positions (RB, LB, ST) and they should be in good shape. In just one summer, Chelsea can escape the storm that’s currently looming over the club. However, a poor summer can mean they fall even further back, which would be the absolute last thing this club needs. Needless to say, this upcoming summer is undeniably crucial in determining the future of Chelsea.

I know, I get it. Some of you will say I’m a hater, or that I’m wearing rose-tinted glasses. But, what I’m proposing isn’t completely out of order. It’s just what any rational club would do. Then again, when are Chelsea ever rational?

Overall, it’s very doable. Sarri needs to be backed instead of the players. We’re all tired of the same players throwing their toys out the pram every time they don’t get their way. There will be setbacks and adversity, but the end result will be worth it. Give Sarri the squad he wants, and the success will come. Trust the process.