A respected Chelsea fan thread, as analysed by Si Phillips, argues that as long as Clearlake Capital, Behdad Eghbali, and the sporting directors remain in charge, even capable managers will struggle to win, and true change must come from the top.
In a passionate editorial, Si Phillips highlights the deep-seated disillusionment among long-time Chelsea fans who feel that the club’s current ownership and management—specifically Clearlake Capital, Behdad Eghbali, and the sporting directors—are steering Chelsea away from its storied traditions. Fans lament that the Chelsea they once knew, a club built on community, respect for academy products, and a winning mentality, has been eroded by profit-driven decisions and poor squad building. According to Phillips, the constant scapegoating of the manager is a red herring that masks the real issues: the failure of the leadership to invest in experienced, proven players and create a cohesive long-term strategy.
Phillips argues that changing the manager will achieve nothing unless those at the top take responsibility for their missteps. He criticises the club’s transfer policies—citing the mishandling of key departures like Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah—and emphasises that without accountability and a willingness to listen to fans, Chelsea will continue to stagnate. The message is clear: if the leadership does not radically alter its approach and prioritise the club’s heritage and future success, Chelsea’s ambitions, including Champions League qualification and trophy wins, will remain out of reach.
