How Palmer Maintains Calm as Chelsea Revamps Strategies
Share this
Blues Finish Strongly but Early Struggles Can’t Be Overlooked
Chelsea’s season felt like two different stories. Before Christmas, the team struggled, but they found their form in the spring, ending on a high note.
With nine wins, four draws, and just one loss in their last 15 matches, Chelsea managed to qualify for European competitions.
Mauricio Pochettino eventually developed a system that worked well, leading to five consecutive wins to close the season.
In the top four teams since January, Chelsea now needs to build on this potential.
Here’s Nick Purewal’s assessment of their 2023-24 season…
The Season in One Word:
Inconsistent.
Star of the Show:
Cole Palmer, who shone as the Premier League Young Player of the Year with 22 goals and 11 assists.
Biggest Letdown:
Injuries. They plagued the squad all season, sidelining key players like captain Reece James, defender Wesley Fofana, and big-money signing Christopher Nkunku.
Most Improved Player:
Marc Cucurella, who had faced a lot of criticism, turned things around and played a crucial role in Pochettino’s system as an inverted full-back.
Game to Remember:
Tottenham 1, Chelsea 4. Blues fans will always cherish this game, where Nicolas Jackson’s hat-trick ended Spurs’ nine-match unbeaten run in the Premier League.
Game to Forget:
Chelsea 2, Wolves 4. Pochettino admitted this was a low point for him, even fearing for his job. The defeat was so bad that Thiago Silva’s wife called for Pochettino’s dismissal on social media.
Rising Star:
Nicolas Jackson, often criticized for missing chances, ended the season with 14 goals and five assists in the Premier League.
Manager Verdict:
Pochettino earned the right to another season by finding the right tactics for this team. However, the club’s owners disagreed, leading to an amicable parting of ways.
Fans’ Mood:
Mixed feelings ranging from disappointment to skepticism. Pochettino never really connected with the Chelsea fans, resulting in a strained relationship.
