Why does Chelsea need the Conference League trophy?

TPO - The Conference League is not Chelsea's target. But in the context of rebuilding the team after Roman Abramovich, a title, however small, is essential to rebuild confidence and provide a sign of progress.

Chelsea in the Roman Abramovich era has been defined by trophies. During the 19 years under the Russian billionaire, there have been numerous managerial sackings to ensure the Blues remain a relentless trophy machine. With 21 trophies brought to Stamford Bridge, they have won a trophy every 0.9 years.

Under new owner Todd Boehly (and his Clearlake Capital company), Chelsea have been defined by their massive spending, which has amounted to £1.1bn on 39 players in just four transfer windows. They have also used six different managers, but have so far failed to win a trophy.

Now the Blues have the chance to put to rest the rumours of being a "collection of strangers" (as Jamie Redknapp put it) or a "billion pounds in a bottle" (as Gary Neville put it). Their task is nothing less than to beat Real Betis in the Conference League final in Wroclaw (Poland).

Chelsea have spent £1.1bn on 39 players in the 'post-Abramovich' era.

While the Conference League was not on Boehly's list of targets when he took over, it was still a European Cup. And the victory would also mean history, as the Blues became the first team to win all four European Cups.

Chelsea also need a trophy to confirm their progress in the post-Abramovich era. After a period of turmoil, there is a sense that the Blues are finally settling into some much-needed stability. They finished fourth this season, much better than sixth and 12th in the previous two campaigns.

Compared to the 2023/24 season, Enzo Maresca's side earned six more points and conceded 20 fewer goals. Remarkably, Chelsea achieved this feat with the youngest average starting XI in Premier League history (24 years and 36 days).

Chelsea finished fourth with the youngest average starting line-up in Premier League history.

After the win over Nottingham Forest in the final match of the season, thereby securing a direct ticket to the 2025/26 Champions League, Maresca shouted excitedly that the critics could be gone. "They said Chelsea were too young, not good enough, lacking the character. But they were all wrong. To those who always think they are right, I have one word for them: go away," said the 45-year-old coach.

In the summer before appointing Maresca, Boehly and his co-owners at Clearlake Capital believed the Italian would fit Chelsea’s long-term strategy and sporting structure, and Maresca also had strong faith in the players he had at his disposal.

Despite his inexperience, he believes the team will only get stronger from the challenges they face. Even as fan protests began to spread due to poor results, Maresca remained steadfast in his philosophy and the club's strategy, adapting tactically to the situation.

Coach Enzo Maresca was pushed towards the fans on the final day of the season.

It was all right in the end. As soon as the final whistle blew at Nottingham Forest, the Chelsea players pushed Maresca towards the celebrating fans so he could receive applause. At the same time, owners Boehly, Behdad Eghbahli and the team of directors Paul Winstanley, Laurence Stewart, Joe Shields and Sam Jewell were also present. All were comfortably enjoying the fruits of their long journey to return Chelsea to their former position.

Of course, none of them consider this a success. Chelsea's goal must be to win the Premier League and Champions League, turning the team into a trophy-producing machine similar to the Abramovich era.

To do that, the Blues need evidence that they are on the right track. Fourth place in the Premier League and a win over Betis to lift the Conference League trophy are a must.

Thanh Hai

Source: https://tienphong.vn/vi-sao-chelsea-rat-can-chiec-cup-conference-league-post1746301.tpo