And this week brought anarchy at Chelsea, as well as sanity in the football world, back into the pack early. The January window barely opened, but Chelsea created yet another surreal subplot. The club sent teenage defender Aaron Anselmino on loan to Borussia Dortmund without a clear sporting explanation being given. The transfer shocked the rest of the European continent and even more so within the Premier League.
Anselmino impressed in Germany and took his place in Dortmund’s system quite effectively. He anticipated continuity, growth and minutes. Chelsea instead created confusion and uncertainty and a ticket to overcrowding. Tears followed his farewell, which spoke more than the press release could process.
A defensive stock without direction
Chelsea Now’s defender collection can be combined with an addiction to still. The team now has cucurella, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Hato, Chalobah, James, Gusto, Fofana and acheampon in the squad. The injured duo of Levi Colwill and Axel Disasi are also additional numbers that cannot be used. Mamadou Sarr is still possessed, loaned out and forgotten.
That would mean that thirteen defenders are linked to one first team line-up. Chelsea somehow keeps coming up short during interviews. That’s what former coach said Enzo Marescawho recently claimed there are problems with defenders at the club. The comment seemed more like a one-liner than a description.
Chelsea already sold Chilwell, Veiga and Humphreys, which did not do much to reduce the traffic jam. The club has also been sold Marc Guehi who is currently performing well at other clubs. Manchester City acted quickly and gave him this window. Chelsea stood up, looked and continued walking.
Recruitment through repetition, not planning
The recruitment strategy at Stamford Bridge is more copy-by-impression. Innocent defenders come and go, and come and disappear. The routes remain unclear. Development appears to be discretionary. Lending services are revolving doors with defective labels.
Meanwhile, Chelsea fans still expect performance on the pitch. The problem of defensive stability is not solved by numerical wealth. Man has too many choices that lead to indecision rather than decision. In selection there is nothing like confusion to create offense instead of belief.
The Anselmino episode as a warning sign
Anselmino’s recall revealed more about the problems with the club’s structure. The decisions seem responsive and not proactive. Not much visible work has been done on the team’s long-term balance. A different contradiction is presented in each window.
Chelsea are even making another defensive signing ahead of deadline day. That was a potential that shocked both his supporters and opponents. There is no clear exit plan. Minutes remain scarce. The development of young people is neglected in the background.
Weaknesses are the problems that are normally solved through football clubs. Chelsea prefers to repeat the same profile several times. The result is like hoarding and not a strategy. Due to the administrative overload, quality is drowned out by quantity.
From authority to absurdity
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