THAT’S it.
There’s nothing left for Chelsea in this most insipid of Premier League defences.Seven points still splits the Blues and a Europa League spot, so while that quest is alive in theory, in practice, getting knocked out of the FA Cup and Champions League in a matter of days should be enough to knock the stuffing out a turgid season.
There are few more shrewd chameleons in world football than Guus Hiddink. With nothing to lose, he could have been a genius had Chelsea hoisted silverware in either cup. Now that they’re out, it hasn’t taken long for the Golden Guus to remind everyone his priority was to steer the club away from the relegation zone. In the league, with a record unbeaten spell since taking the job, Hiddink has settled things.
Chelsea lose European spot
1:04Inevitably, there will be plenty at the club already looking forward. The big rumour is that Italy boss Antonio Conte, who has been undertaking English lessons, is on his way to Stamford Bridge after Euro 2016, will arrive to shake things up.
But he’ll have his work cut out trying to lure new blood to a club without European competition.
Indeed, the histrionics of fallen stars Eden Hazard and Diego Costa in the past week has brought Chelsea’s squad firmly into the spotlight again.
STARS ON THE OUTER
Diego Costa
Word was Atletico Madrid came in for him in January but Chelsea relented. Despite trying to be on his best behaviour since Hiddink took over, he acted against Everton like a man who wants out. When focused and firing, he’s one of the best in the world. But too often this season he’s been predictable and combustible.
He’s flirted with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain this season and his apathy towards the Blues reached its zenith with his shirt swap at halftime with Angel di Maria in Paris. It’s been a diabolical fall for the EPL’s reigning player of the season. He’s gone from comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo to goalless in the league; it might be best for player and club to cut ties.
Radamel Falcao
The striker’s signing has been a disaster for club and player.
John Terry
Captain courageous desperately wants to stay despite the club’s hesitation at renewing his contract. The veteran went on the front foot earlier this year, and on form, deserves a new deal. But perhaps the club’s thinking is that given Chelsea’s malaise, and a new manager coming in, its best to draw a line in the sand at the end of this successful era to let a new personality stamp his mark on the dressing room.
PSG through to UCL quarters
0:53Oscar
The Brazilian playmaker is an honest midfielder capable of occasional brilliance but he isn’t the man to take Chelsea back up the table. A good squad player, but if a good deal comes in, such as reported interest from Juventus, then Chelsea should bank.
Pedro
It just hasn’t worked out for the Barcelona favourite in London. We’ve seen glimpses, but besides juggling injury, he’s been lost too often in the hustle and bustle of games.
Loic Remy
For a player that was a proven EPL scorer, his Chelsea career has been peculiar. Simply not trusted by Jose Mourinho, and game time has hardly improved under Hiddink. Chelsea needs to remould its entire strike force and there’s no way Frenchman Remy will want to stick around.
Gary Cahill
The England international hasn’t been convincing this season but with Terry unsigned and Zouma injured, Chelsea don’t have much choice at this point. Whether he wants to stay is another matter; he extended his deal in December but until Zouma’s injury, had fallen down the pecking order and had hinted at agitation.
The former Stoke keeper did well when needed in the earlier part of the season but might not want another season on the pine.
THE FUTURE
Kenedy
Another bright spark; the 20-year-old’s quality is clearly a magical left-foot while surging forward, but he’s had a baptism of fire as a left-back this year.
Bertrand Traore
We’ve seen some eye-catching moments from the 20-year-old Burkina Faso striker since being blooded in recent weeks.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Highly rated for some time, the athletic, imposing midfielder has signed until 2021.
Willian
Chelsea’s best player by a long way this season.
Jon Obi Mikel
Completely revitalised under Hiddink, it would make sense to hold onto the Nigerian — but with the ambition of adding more cut and thrust to midfield.
Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard is another who has dipped on the heights reached last term but it wouldn’t be in Chelsea’s interests to lose him.
Cesc Fabregas
Well short of his best but at 28, Fabregas is still capable of being an influence in the EPL and has come back to life since Mourinho left.
Branislav Ivanovic
Has had a poor season but signed a contract extension not long ago. If it’s more of the same early next term, surely Chelsea cannot keep him long term.
Thibaut Courtois
Undisputed No. 1 but has been underwhelming this season.
Nemanja Matic
He’s gone from one of the pillars of Chelsea’s side to a shadow of his former self — but his situation isn’t irretrievable. Interesting to see if he stays around despite rumours of him agitating for a fresh start elsewhere.
Alexndre Pato
Signed on loan as a gamble and the fact he hasn’t made an appearance yet doesn’t bode well for a new deal.
Baba Rahman
The 21-year-old Ghanaian fullback hasn’t convinced just yet.
Kurt Zouma
The centre-back is the middle of long term rehab from a shocking leg injury; the jury would have been out on whether he was worth the hype he arrived with, but it’d be callous to let him go at this point.
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