Chelsea owner Behdad Eghbali reveals significant shift in transfer strategy

Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali in the stands at Stamford Bridge (PA)

"It's not a change we wanted to make [Enzo Maresca leaving]. It's a change that had a bit of a negative impact in the season, when you're changing systems and personnel, and it's one we've got to fight our way out of.

"We still have six matches in the Premier League, and an FA Cup semi-final coming up. So, hopefully the story of this season hasn't been written yet, and you've got a lot to fight for. In my perspective, when you get punched in the face, you've got to fight back, you've got to stand up and fight. And it's going to hopefully show a lot about the character of this squad.”

The Blues reported a pre-tax losses of £262.4m for the last financial year, a Premier League record, with around £1.5bn spent on transfer fees since the new ownership group took charge in 2022.

And now the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust (CST) has said there is a “lack of confidence” in the owners.

Chelsea were beaten comprehensively by Manchester City on Sunday (PA Wire)

“These concerns are not driven by short-term results, and they will not be resolved by them. They relate to the underlying direction of the club, and they will persist regardless of fluctuations on the pitch,” said the CST.

“At the heart of supporter concern is a simple point: the current model has demanded a huge amount of faith from the fanbase, while giving too little clarity in return. Supporters have watched relentless upheaval. Players, managers, staff, and structures have changed at pace. This has been presented as part of a long-term plan.

“Yet four years on, there is still no sufficiently clear or convincing explanation of how that plan delivers sustained success while preserving a recognisable Chelsea identity. The vision remains unclear, its execution inconsistent, and its leadership insufficiently accountable.”