After two seasons of free spending, managerial changes and complete underachievement, Chelsea have finally settled under the Clearlake-Boehly regime, with Enzo Maresca at the helm.
Despite a return to competing for continental places, the sheer amount of money spent on their team will need to eventually justify the price paid, in the return of silverware and consistent top four finishes.
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The Premier League so far
It is strange to say that a team that cost almost £2bn were almost an unknown quantity heading into the season, but there was a real mixed opinion on where the Blues would end up come the end of the 24/25 campaign.
Towards the end of the 23/24 season, it had started to look as if it had all come together under Mauricio Pochettino, but his departure in the summer threw more doubt over the competency of the current ownership.
However, the appointment of Maresca from Leicester had looked to be a masterstroke as a nine-game unbeaten streak following defeat to Liverpool saw Chelsea just four points off the league leaders heading into Christmas.
After losing against Fulham, inconsistency has become an issue, only winning four of their nine league games in 2025, with two of those against relegation fodder in Southampton and Leicester.
The drop in form from key player Cole Palmer has been a cruel coincidence, as the Englishman has struggled to replicate his early season form, scoring just one goal in 2025, a stat that seemed unthinkable in going into the new year.
This comes alongside a season-long issue between the sticks, with neither Robert Sanchez nor Filip Jorgensen able to keep their place in the side, providing a consistent weakness that will provide hope for their team.
The return of Reece James will provide a boost for the team, providing he can stay fit, as they hope to return to a more consistent run of form, which will likely be enough to find themselves in the extended Champions League places.
Will Chelsea match Conference League expectations?
The controversial European competition has been a breeding ground for Chelsea’s vast array of players, with Maresca using the competition to give opportunities to those who have struggled to get minutes in the league, as well as youngsters such as Tyrique George.
Having been the early tournament favourites, the Blues have lived up to that tag, coasting through the league phase after a shock defeat in the playoff second leg against Swiss side Servette.
After getting past potential banana skin FC Copenhagen, they will next face Legia Warsaw, in a tie you would expect the West London side to win comfortably.
With clear second favourites Fiorentina and Real Betis on the other side of the draw, it feels safe to assume that Chelsea will meet one of those teams in the final, and you’d have to favour Maresca’s side on paper.
A trophy win, no matter the expectation, would do a lot for the Italian in his first season at the club, and would continue his silverware streak following his Championship win with Leicester last season.
What does a successful season look like for Chelsea?
If Chelsea can win the Conference League, and end the season in the top five, it will be hard to argue against that not being a success for Maresca and co.
After their strong start to the season, it may be seen as slightly underwhelming, but the Blues have slowly started to build back after the disastrous 22/23 season.
A lot of money has been spent, and while the team still looks unbalanced, a Champions League finish does provide a good platform to attract players who add to Chelsea’s senior squad.
With only three games against teams that are in and around them, in Fulham, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, as well as big games against the struggling Tottenham and Manchester United, the Blues have a relatively tricky run-in.
It is not out of the question that Chelsea drops out of the top five, which makes winning the Conference League crucial in terms of leaving the season with something to hang their hat on.
