Chelsea owners send message to fans after disastrous first season: 'We will do better'

Chelsea owners are “optimistic about the future” under Mauricio Pochettino as they aim to build a team capable of competing to win the Premier League.

It’s been a year since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took control of Chelsea, and while the women’s team has thrived, the men’s team has particularly struggled.

The Blues finished 12th in the Premier League, their lowest finish in the top flight since 1994, despite spending some £600 million on new players, with Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter sacked during a dismal 2022 season -23.

Former Tottenham boss Pochettino has since been hired after Frank Lampard’s disastrous interim reign and will officially start work on July 1, with Boehly and Clearlake excited about what the future holds.

In an official statement released via the club’s channels on Thursday, the ownership group extolled the virtues of several changes made over the summer to improve Chelsea’s fortunes, including the appointment of Pochettino, the construction of a new structure scouting and recruitment, the arrival of Chris Jurasek as manager. new CEO and installation of a fan advisory board.

Difficult start: Todd Boehly and Clearlake have been in charge of Chelsea for a year (PA) — Difficult start: Todd Boehly and Clearlake have been at the helm of Chelsea for a year (PA)

Difficult start: Todd Boehly and Clearlake have been at the helm of Chelsea for a year (PA)

“We remain fully committed to the sustainable, long-term success of our club and to delivering on the promise we made to you,” the statement said.

“We know the enormous potential we need to develop to grow Chelsea FC and it is a role we take seriously. Everyone who works here works tirelessly to move us forward.

“Obviously for our men’s team it’s been a disappointing season and there’s a lot we can do and we’ll do better. Throughout these difficult times, our fans have supported our players and team across the country and in Europe with unwavering loyalty.

“We couldn’t be more grateful for your incredible support. The atmosphere at the Bridge when we played against Dortmund will stay with us for a long time and remind us where we want to be.

“Despite all the challenges of the past year, we are optimistic about the future. We look forward to welcoming Mauricio Pochettino as head coach of our men’s team in July.

“We are building a modern scouting, talent identification and recruiting infrastructure within our athletic department, led by Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, which will help us identify and transform the team around elite talent, a team capable of constantly competing to win the title. Premier League, lift domestic cups, compete and win at the highest level of European football.

“We also named Chris Jurasek as CEO to advance our business off the field, making us more sustainable on the field.”