Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali, a founding partner of Clearlake Capital and a key figure behind the BlueCo consortium that acquired the club, recently opened up about a range of pressing issues at Stamford Bridge. Speaking at the CAA World Congress of Sports in Los Angeles, Eghbali outlined the club's strategic direction, addressed the unexpected departure of former head coach Enzo Maresca, and defended the current manager, Liam Rosenior, while also hinting at an upcoming shift in the transfer market toward more seasoned players.
Eghbali began by reiterating the ownership group's long‑standing policy of avoiding mid‑season managerial changes. "Our policy has been no in‑season head‑coach changes," he said, emphasizing that any performance reviews or accountability measures are typically reserved for the summer window rather than the heat of the campaign.
He added that the sudden exit of Maresca on New Year’s Day was not a decision the board had intended, and that it has inevitably disrupted the squad’s rhythm. "It’s a change we didn’t want to make," he explained, noting that altering systems and personnel mid‑campaign can have a negative impact that the club now has to fight its way out of. The timing of Maresca’s departure has coincided with a dip in form for Chelsea.
The Blues sit four points adrift of fifth‑placed Liverpool, putting their Champions League qualification in jeopardy. Over the last seven league fixtures they have managed only one win and have suffered three consecutive defeats. In this context, Rosenior has found himself under intense scrutiny, tasked with steadying a team that appears to be losing momentum after the abrupt coaching change. Despite the bleak statistics, Eghbali remained optimistic about the season’s remaining opportunities.
With six Premier League matches still to play and an FA Cup semi‑final looming, he believes the narrative is not yet written. "When you get punched in the face, you have to fight back, stand up and keep going," he said, urging the squad to demonstrate character and resilience. He highlighted the importance of stability, especially on the managerial front, as a cornerstone for future success.
When asked about Rosenior’s prospects, Eghbali was unequivocal in his support. Having worked closely with the manager for over 18 months, he feels confident in Rosenior’s abilities. "We know what we are getting with Liam," he remarked. "He possesses every attribute needed to succeed here.
He started strongly, and although the last five or six games have been tough, we still believe we are behind him. It is, after all, a results‑driven business, but we think he can deliver over the long term." Eghbali also touched on the club’s broader recruitment philosophy, which has traditionally emphasized youth development and the cultivation of home‑grown talent.
While acknowledging the merits of that approach, he admitted that the current phase of the project requires the addition of experienced, "ready‑made" players to complement the younger core. "We are still in the 40th, 50th minute of that process," he said, using a metaphor to describe the ongoing evolution of the squad. He outlined a vision of assembling a stable group of elite performers—perhaps eight to fifteen top‑level players—who can consistently compete for titles year after year.
The co‑owner admitted that while the club has made several correct decisions, there remain areas for improvement. Adding seasoned professionals at this stage, he argued, will help elevate the team to the next level and ensure sustained consistency. This shift does not mean abandoning the academy, but rather balancing it with strategic signings that can provide immediate impact. Off the pitch, some Chelsea supporters have announced plans to join forces with fans of Strasbourg—another club owned by BlueCo—to stage a protest before the upcoming home game against Manchester United.
The demonstration aims to voice dissatisfaction with the ownership group’s handling of recent events. Eghbali responded by reaffirming BlueCo’s commitment to a robust ownership strategy focused on delivering major trophies, echoing the ambition that defined the Roman Abramovich era.
He concluded with a candid assessment of the club’s recent performance trajectory. "Six months ago everyone was super‑happy. Results have been mixed and more disappointing lately," he admitted. "We are constantly reflecting on what we can do better, tweaking the plan where needed, and staying fully committed to success.
Can we be successful without winning? No. The objective for a club of Chelsea’s stature is clear: win matches, win trophies, and do so consistently." Eghbali reminded fans that the club enjoyed a successful campaign last season, and although this year has seen ups and downs, the ultimate goal remains unchanged.
The message to supporters is one of perseverance: the ownership group is listening, learning, and ready to act in order to restore Chelsea to the pinnacle of English and European football.