If straws are there to be clutched, then grab hold of them with both hands. Never be ashamed of trying to take positives even when the odds appear stacked against you.
The last year or so may not have been among the most glittering of periods for Chelsea Football Club – far from it – but there is always the promise of light at the end of the tunnel.
Eventually, the £1 billion spending spree that has generated so many unfortunate headlines will start to see a return and collective fortunes will head in a more favourable direction.
Epic
Despite a difficult start to the season, Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea are aiming big 🔵 pic.twitter.com/xtDzX4Qoks
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 11, 2023
It may seem like an epic project right now, but the groundwork is being put in place. There remains plenty of talent at Stamford Bridge, even if Premier League winner odds that have the Blues priced at 33/1 for a first crown since 2017 may not reflect that.
More favour can be found within football tips, with prices regarding top-four finishes and potential cup success considerably shorter than those focused on the battle for ultimate supremacy in the English top flight.
It is here where Chelsea may truly prosper, especially as they have few midweek distractions to contend with.
It goes without saying that everybody in the blue quarter of west London would prefer to be competing on a European stage in 2023-24 – allowing bids to be launched for more Champions League and Europa League titles, or even a first Europa Conference League crown.
That is not the case and the best must be made of an unfortunate situation.
Chelsea have considerably fewer games on their schedule this season, and that should help to keep players fresh. They also have no Wednesday or Thursday nights to far-flung outposts of the continent with which to concern themselves.
Rest and rotation always had to be factored in when returning to Premier League action from midweek journeys beyond English shores.
Now, Mauricio Pochettino should – at least in theory – be in a position to name his strongest and most settled side whenever precious points come up for grabs. There is always plenty to be said for stability and continuity.
The man calling the shots has been eager to point out that he is starting out down a long and winding road at Chelsea, with the Blues’ Argentine head coach saying shortly after inheriting the reins: “We are building something special. It’s a process and we need time. But in football you cannot ask for time and you need to deliver now.”
Message
'It’s a culture of winning here. We want to bring the happiness again to this great football club.' 🙌
Part one of our exclusive interview with Mauricio Pochettino! pic.twitter.com/rmWnGn3ARY
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 3, 2023
Pochettino finds himself occupying the warmest of hot seats, one that saw three occupants come and go in the space of just one season last term. If he wants to get comfortable, then positive results are a must.
There are plenty of fresh faces to bed in and a favoured tactical message to get across. Those processes take time and the South American is right to ask for patience.
With so much to do in the immediate present and short-term future, it may end up being a blessing that collective focus at Stamford Bridge is being narrowed on purely domestic competition.
