Can Chelsea FA Cup Win Save a Troubled Season?

Chelsea's FA Cup final appearance may not be enough to salvage their poor season and appease an angry fanbase.

Chelsea's Unconventional FA Cup Final Bid The Premier League club is facing a series of challenges, including the absence of a permanent manager, an irate fanbase, and lingering concerns over their campaign. Despite a crucial draw against Liverpool last weekend, Chelsea's fortunes remain uncertain, with their pre-season target of Champions League qualification all but gone. Qualification for any European competition is also in jeopardy, but a victory on Saturday would at least secure a place in the second-tier Europa League, a result that would be welcomed by both players and the club's hierarchy. The team is operating under strict UEFA financial controls following a settlement last year, which limits their spending. ## Chelsea's Managerial Crisis Deepens The club is currently without a permanent manager, with Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, Fulham's Marco Silva, and former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso among the options on their shortlist. Chelsea sources insist the race is open, but externally, Alonso is seen as the favored candidate. Former head coach Enzo Maresca left after a falling out with the hierarchy on New Year's Day, with many believing he has been lined up to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City should he depart. Maresca's replacement, Liam Rosenior, was hired from partner club Strasbourg but lasted less than four months. ## Protests and Decline are Setting in at Chelsea Not A Project CFC, a growing protest movement, has announced a march up Wembley Way at 13:30 BST before the match, featuring a large banner focusing on 'not only on BlueCo's ownership but also on the club's sporting directors.' The group said the protest was 'an attempt to send a public message that we have no faith in the current ownership and the direction the club is heading.' Supporters plan to turn their backs on the action in the 22nd minute of Chelsea's final home match of the season against Tottenham, a reference to 2022, the year BlueCo bought the club. ## Player Power and a Broader Identity Crisis Rosenior had tried to stamp his authority and improve the culture by dropping players like Enzo Fernandez after his comments about a move to Madrid, but the decision had little positive impact. Yet, Reece James and Moises Caicedo have both recently signed new contracts, while Cole Palmer has denied suggestions he is seeking a move to Manchester United. Joao Pedro is also being linked with a move to Barcelona but is deemed not for sale. In a separate interview, Romeo Lavia says criticism that the players downed tools was 'tough to hear' and the squad have seen criticism about their culture and lack of leadership. ## A Troubled History and Uncertain Future Chelsea have not beaten Manchester City since the 2021 Champions League final, when the club was still owned by Roman Abramovich. City's 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions against them, including 10 wins, is one Chelsea have not endured since before Abramovich transformed the club following his takeover in 2003. However, Chelsea were already in decline by the time BlueCo took control, having become the first team in English football history under Abramovich to lose three successive FA Cup finals, while also losing six consecutive domestic cup finals. ## An Interim Springboard for Success? Interim managers have won major honours before, including Guus Hiddink, who lifted the FA Cup in 2009, and Roberto di Matteo, who led Chelsea to their first Champions League title in 2012. However, Chelsea are attempting to wean themselves off chaos and into the stability seen at Arsenal or previously at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp. The club has five sporting directors, a squad built around young players on long-term contracts, and is still searching for a head coach to bring coherence to the project.