Chelsea have undergone a significant transformation since their acquisition by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in May 2022. Following the Roman Abramovich era, the club embarked on a journey of renewal, implementing changes across various departments. Their strategy has drawn inspiration from other successful football organizations, particularly Manchester City.
The approach focuses on recruiting top-tier talent, both on and off the pitch. Chelsea has brought in experts from clubs like Brighton, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Milan to strengthen their commercial and recruitment operations. On the playing and coaching side, there has been a clear influence from City Football Group, with several key figures previously associated with Manchester City joining Chelsea’s ranks.
The arrival of Enzo Maresca as head coach is a prime example. Maresca, who was part of Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff, has brought elements of City’s tactical philosophy to Stamford Bridge. Other appointments include Joe Shields, a former City youth scout now contributing to Chelsea’s academy restructuring, and Glenn van der Kraan, who joined as academy technical director after working with City.
This connection extends to player acquisitions. Cole Palmer, Tosin Adarabioyo, Roméo Lavia, and Jadon Sancho are among those with links to City who have found their way to Chelsea. Palmer, in particular, has thrived since his move, becoming one of the Premier League’s standout attackers. For some, like Lavia, the path to Chelsea included intermediate stops, but their success highlights the challenges of breaking into City’s first team and the opportunities available elsewhere.
City’s recent struggles, including a loss to Paris Saint-Germain and a drop in league form, have raised questions about their decision to let go of promising talents. Players like Palmer and Lavia might have filled current gaps in their squad. However, City’s model of selling academy products is financially beneficial, as it provides pure profit that can be reinvested in new talent.
City has responded to its challenges with a wave of signings, including Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis, signaling a push for renewal. They are also pursuing players like Andrea Cambiaso, Juma Bah, and Éderson to bolster their squad. With Guardiola extending his contract and Hugo Viana set to replace Txiki Begiristain as director of football, City aims to replicate the kind of rejuvenation that sustained dominance at clubs like Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Chelsea, meanwhile, sees an opportunity to capitalize on City’s transitional period. Their upcoming clash at the Etihad Stadium offers a chance to assert themselves against a historically dominant rival. Maresca’s tactical approach, emphasizing pace and direct counterattacking, could exploit City’s vulnerabilities.
The long-term implications of these strategies remain to be seen. Chelsea’s emulation of City’s blueprint reflects a belief in the potential of this model to deliver sustained success. At the same time, City’s efforts to rebuild demonstrate their commitment to adapting and remaining competitive. Both clubs are navigating periods of change, setting the stage for an intriguing battle for supremacy in the seasons to come.
