Chelsea co‑owner Behdad Eghbali recently opened up about the club’s current direction, the recent departure of former head coach Enzo Maresca, and the future of manager Liam Rosenior. Speaking at the CAA World Congress of Sports in Los Angeles, Eghbali outlined the ownership group’s policy of stability, their intention to bring in more "ready‑made" talent, and the challenges the team faces as it battles for a Champions League spot.
Eghbali, who co‑founded the private‑equity firm Clearlake Capital – the primary shareholder behind BlueCo, the consortium that acquired Chelsea and also owns French side Strasbourg – gave a rare and candid interview covering a range of pressing issues at the London club. He touched on the club’s precarious league position, the impact of Maresca’s unexpected exit, and the confidence the owners have in Rosenior’s long‑term prospects. **Champions League hopes hanging in the balance** Chelsea currently sit four points behind Liverpool, who occupy the fifth place that guarantees a spot in next season’s Champions League. The Blues have managed only one victory in their last seven Premier League fixtures and have suffered defeats in their three most recent matches.
The slump has intensified scrutiny on manager Liam Rosenior, who took charge after Maresca’s sudden resignation on New Year’s Day. Despite the poor run, Eghbali stressed that the season is far from over. "We still have six league games left, plus an FA Cup semi‑final," he said, emphasizing that there is still ample opportunity to turn the narrative around.
**No mid‑season coaching changes – a principle of the owners** One of the core tenets of BlueCo’s approach, according to Eghbali, is to avoid changing the head coach during the season. "Our policy has been no in‑season head‑coach changes," he explained. "We review and hold accountable not only the manager but also the entire sporting and management team, but typically those reviews happen in the summer, not mid‑campaign." He added that Maresca’s departure was not part of a deliberate plan and that the abrupt change had a "negative impact" on the squad’s rhythm, forcing the club to "fight our way out of" the disruption.
**Backing Liam Rosenior** Eghbali made it clear that the owners stand firmly behind Rosenior. "We have worked with Liam daily for more than 18 months, so we know exactly what we are getting," he said.
"He possesses every quality needed to succeed here. He started strongly, and although the last five or six games have been tough, we believe we are behind Liam. Football is a results business, but we are convinced he can deliver over the long term." He likened the current situation to being "punched in the face" – a metaphor for adversity that requires a resilient response.
"When you get punched, you have to fight back, stand up and keep going," Eghbali remarked, adding that the way the squad reacts will reveal its true character. **A youth‑focused recruitment model that now needs experience** Chelsea’s transfer policy under BlueCo has been heavily oriented toward nurturing young, elite talent. Eghbali described this as a process that is still in its "40th or 50th minute" – an analogy suggesting that the club is still early in a long development journey.
He stressed that the ultimate aim is to assemble a core of eight to fifteen world‑class players who can win titles consistently. However, he acknowledged that the club must now supplement its youthful core with more seasoned, "ready‑made" players to accelerate progress. "We have done many things right, but we need to be better at adding experienced talent at this stage of the project," he said. "That will take us to the next level and help us maintain consistency over time." **Ownership commitment and fan concerns** Amid growing fan unrest, some supporters have announced plans to meet with Strasbourg fans to stage a protest against BlueCo before Chelsea’s upcoming home game against Manchester United.
Eghbali responded by reaffirming the owners’ dedication to improving the club’s strategic direction and delivering major trophies, echoing the ambition that defined the Roman Abramovich era. "We care deeply about the fans and want the club to succeed on the pitch," he asserted.
"Six months ago everyone was extremely happy. Results have been mixed and more disappointing lately, so we are reflecting on what we can improve. There is a plan, we review it, we tweak it if it isn’t working, and the message is clear – we are committed." He concluded with a blunt statement about the club’s ultimate goal: "Can this be successful without winning? The answer is no.
We have to win trophies and do so consistently. We were fortunate to achieve that last year; this season has been up and down, but the objective remains unchanged." **Looking ahead** With six league matches remaining, a crucial FA Cup semi‑final, and a potential protest looming, Chelsea stands at a crossroads.
The owners’ emphasis on stability, the integration of experienced signings, and unwavering support for Rosenior suggest a strategic pivot designed to halt the slide and re‑ignite the club’s quest for silverware. Whether the team can translate this renewed focus into tangible results on the field will determine not only its Champions League fate but also the long‑term credibility of BlueCo’s ownership model.