It looks like everybody is questioning BlueCo’s strategy after four underwhelming seasons since the takeover in 2022. For a long time, it had been the supporters and former players. Now, it looks like Chelsea’s current crop of stars are openly expressing their doubts regarding the club’s transfer model as well.
Marc Cucurella became the latest to do so recently. The Spaniard is a nailed-on starter for the Blues and one of their most experienced players.
So, when he comes out and says something, it should carry weight. Hopefully, BlueCo were taking notes because Cucurella pointed out some obvious errors with their ways of thinking recently.
While speaking with The Athletic, Cucurella said:
“I understand this is part of the club’s policy, and that they want to take this direction — signing young players and looking to the future. But, for all of us who are still here and want to win big things, moments like this make you feel discouraged.
“We have a good core of players. The foundations are there. But to fight for major trophies such as the Premier League or the Champions League, you need more. Signing young players only might complicate achieving those goals. Against PSG, we lacked players that had gone through situations like that.
“You need time as well, and I know the young players are the ones that will have the experience in the future. But you need to find the balance between both worlds.”
Cucurella has pointed out obvious flaw with BlueCo’s strategy
That is a very fair criticism of BlueCo’s model. In fact, it is the same exact issue that the fans have been pointing out for years now. It is good to see that a senior pro like Cucurella has now come out and stated the obvious as well.
We are already seeing exactly why BlueCo’s model might be doomed. Enzo Fernandez already seems to be eyeing an exit. There are constant rumours surrounding Cole Palmer and Manchester United. Cucurella himself recently admitted that he would have a tough time turning down Barcelona, if they came calling.
This was always bound to happen. It is impossible to keep hold of top players if you can compete for the biggest prizes. They have been patient so far. But if things don’t change quickly, you would expect them to start engineering moves away from Chelsea.
Chelsea owners backed to tweak strategy after Cucurella’s comments
Kaveh Solhekol appears to believe that the Chelsea owners will be open to tweaking their strategy following Cucurella’s comments. He said on Sky Sports:
“I think it will really hurt the owners the fact a senior player has come out and questioned them and the strategy.”
“I think the owners are listening to what fans and ex players and journalists and now players are saying, I think they are listening!”
“I don’t think they will change their strategy, but maybe tweak it a little bit, make some changes.”
To be honest, some tweaks are all the fans have been asking for. Nobody expects BlueCo to completely abandon their model. That being said, there is a need to find the right balance for the best of the club.
Completely focusing on signing youngsters has not served them well. There are some intangibles that you can only get after going through certain experiences. That is why you need a few who have been there, done that.
They need a few to walk straight into the starting XI and raise the bar. If Chelsea can add those players to the mix, they might have a team capable of competing for trophies in the near future.
