Getting to know YOUR Premier League club before the start of the season - Chelsea

Who's in charge?

But who is this new manager? Well, controversially, the man taking the reins at Stamford Bridge for the upcoming season is former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, who joins the club on a two year deal with the option for a further campaign.

Poch, who tends to set up in a 4-2-3-1, is exceptional at developing young talent; something which will certainly come in handy considering the number of high-profile youngsters on the books at the Bridge. In fact, it was the Argentine coach who provided the platform for a young Dele Alli to become one of the most sought after players in the world following on from several stellar campaigns playing as a shadow striker.

Whilst their have been claims that the Argentine has difficulties handling big stars following on from a difficult spell at PSG, this can all surely be overcome when looking at his record; besides, it's PSG.

At Spurs, Poch's dynamic system allowed the Lilywhites to push for the title consistently and even reach a Champions League final in 2019, going on to lose to Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool. With greater squad depth and a hunger to show that he hasn't lost his edge, Mauricio Pochettino could well lead Chelsea back to where they belong.

Image Creds: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

The Ins and Outs

Standout Player

Last season would have been very slim pickings for this prize, with legendary centre back Thiago Silva scooping the Player of the Season award. However, under new management the signs are looking positive for the Blues and thus the pool widens once more.

But for us, there is only one option and that is new signing Christopher Nkunku who joins the club for a fee rumoured to be in the region of €60m. Last term, Nkunku netted 16 goals and laid on a further four assists in just 25 Bundesliga appearances to show that his incredible 2021/22 campiagn was more than just a one season wonder.

As previously mentioned, Nkunku has the ability to excel in Poch's system as the man pulling the strings behind the main striker. His ability to beat the press with his silky dribbling and lightning fast changes of direction make the Frenchman a real handful for defenders. Rapid from a standing start and with the ability to score with both feet, Nkunku is an exceptional talent.

Furthermore, he is best when paired with a strike partner as he is able to bounce off of them and drive into the space left by their clever movement. This then, could lead to a lethal partnership between him and Nicolas Jackson, with the Senegalese point man always looking to get in behind the defence thus opening up the space for Nkunku to weave his magic. 

Simply put, we expect Nkunku to be a phenomenon at Chelsea and take the Premier League by storm.

Will this season be successful for Chelsea or not?

Well, first of all, to answer this you have to decide what a successful season is for Chelsea in 2023/24?

Historically, success for the Blues meant titles and trophies galore. However, following on from their worst season in recent memory, merely making it back into Europe would arguably be a success for the Londoners.

Overall, it is highly likely that Chelsea will make a huge step forward this season under the stewardship of Mauricio Pochettino and will probably push for a return to Champions League football. However, this season could well be the most competitive in a long time. With the likes of Aston Villa, Brighton and Newcastle all now firmly in the mix as well a strengthening Arsenal side, a Liverpool contingent who still possess the ability to hurt anyone, and a refreshed Spurs under Ange Postecoglu, the Blues may struggle to regain their footing in the top four (especially when undergoing this much turnover).

Nevertheless, we still believe that Chelsea will have a successful season and finish either in or just below the Champions League places in 2023/24.