The year 2024 saw Chelsea FC navigating a period of significant transition and rebuilding. The club’s performance during the latter part of the 2023/24 season and into the 2024/25 season reflected both the challenges and progress made under two distinct managerial tenures.
From the cautious optimism fostered by Mauricio Pochettino to the fresh leadership under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s journey in 2024 was one of overcoming adversity, blending youth with experience, and establishing a new identity. So here is the Chelsea in 2024: A Recap.
Chelsea in 2024: A Recap
Mauricio Pochettino’s Final Season (2023/24)
Under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s 2023/24 season was marked by a mixture of highs and lows, which ultimately resulted in a 5th-place finish in the Premier League.
While this position secured Chelsea’s qualification for the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League, it also reflected the club’s struggle to regain its former consistency and compete at the top level.
Pochettino, who had inherited a squad undergoing heavy turnover, tried to instill a style of play focused on pressing, possession, and youth development, but injuries and inconsistency hindered the club’s progress.
Key Moments from the 2023/24 Premier League Campaign:
- January 2024: Chelsea started the year with a solid victory over Fulham, winning 1-0 at home, but suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Liverpool away. This result epitomized Chelsea’s struggles against top-tier opposition during the season.
- February 2024: A rollercoaster of results continued, as Chelsea lost 4-2 at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers but also managed a respectable 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City. This match showcased Chelsea’s resilience, particularly as they fought hard against the league leaders.
- March 2024: There were mixed fortunes with a 3-2 win against Newcastle United and a frustrating 2-2 draw at home to Burnley. Despite these efforts, Chelsea lacked the consistency required to mount a serious top-four challenge.
- April 2024: A crushing 5-0 loss to Arsenal demonstrated the gap between Chelsea and some of the league’s most established clubs, but the team responded with a powerful 6-0 thrashing of Everton, showing glimpses of the attacking potential in their squad.
- May 2024: The campaign ended with Chelsea showing some form, securing wins over AFC Bournemouth (2-1) and Brighton & Hove Albion (2-1), which ultimately helped them finish in 5th place, earning a spot in the Conference League for the upcoming season.
Despite the mixed results, Pochettino’s tenure was a season of transition, laying the groundwork for the future. The Argentine manager’s focus on youth development and squad rotation ensured that some of Chelsea’s promising young talents, including Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, and Mykhailo Mudryk, gained significant playing time.
The FA Cup and League Cup Disappointments:
Chelsea’s cup runs in the 2023/24 season also showcased both promise and heartbreak. In the FA Cup, they were knocked out by Manchester City in the semi-finals after a 1-0 defeat, while in the League Cup, Chelsea reached the final but were defeated 1-0 by Liverpool in extra time, an outcome that left fans disheartened.
The team showed resilience in both cup competitions, but crucial moments were often squandered, and silverware remained elusive.
Enzo Maresca Takes the Reins (2024/25)
As the 2024/25 season kicked off, the club made the bold decision to appoint Enzo Maresca as head coach, following his successful spell at Leicester City.
Maresca, an exciting young tactician, was tasked with building on Pochettino’s groundwork while addressing the areas that still needed improvement. The early results under Maresca have been mixed, but there’s a sense of optimism as the squad begins to adapt to his tactical system.
Key Moments from the 2024/25 Premier League Campaign:
- August 2024: Maresca’s Chelsea debut in the Premier League began with a tough 2-0 loss to Manchester City, but the team rebounded in spectacular fashion with a resounding 6-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. The attacking play, led by new signing Christopher Nkunku, had the Stamford Bridge faithful buzzing.
- September 2024: Chelsea’s form remained erratic, but notable performances included a dramatic 4-2 win against Brighton & Hove Albion and a gritty 1-0 victory at AFC Bournemouth.
- October 2024: The Blues struggled in away matches, suffering a narrow 2-1 loss to Liverpool, but secured a 3-0 win against West Ham.
- November 2024: A vital 3-0 win over Aston Villa boosted morale, and a solid 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge underlined the progress being made.
- December 2024: Chelsea’s resilience showed again with a strong 4-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur and a dominant 5-1 win over Southampton. These results signified a potential turning point in Maresca’s reign, with Chelsea beginning to show more consistency.
Maresca has instilled a more direct and attacking style of play, favoring quick transitions and high pressing. However, the squad is still adapting to his system, and defensive stability remains a work in progress.
The emergence of key players like Nkunku, along with the steady development of young talents such as Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill, is a positive sign for the future.
European Aspirations: The Conference League Journey
Chelsea’s qualification for the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League added another layer of intrigue to the season. The club’s group-stage matches were a mix of dominating performances and learning experiences.
They opened the campaign with a comfortable 4-2 win over KAA Gent, followed by a 4-1 win away at Panathinaikos.
Chelsea also triumphed 8-0 over FC Noah in one of the standout results of the season, with some of their fringe players making an impact in Europe.
Looking Ahead
As Chelsea looks ahead to the second half of the 2024/25 season, there are reasons for cautious optimism. While the club’s trajectory under Pochettino was one of rebuilding and occasional setbacks, Maresca’s arrival offers new hope for a more dynamic, progressive brand of football.
The team has shown glimpses of quality, but consistency remains key if they are to challenge for higher honors domestically and in Europe.
The growth of young players, the introduction of tactical innovations by Maresca, and the return to health of some key players who were sidelined during the 2023/24 season will all be critical to Chelsea’s fortunes.
While the 2024/25 season may not bring immediate silverware, it’s clear that this is a team in transition, one that is building towards greater success in the coming years.
With the future bright and a renewed sense of optimism surrounding Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s 2024 journey is one of adaptation, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future.
As the Blues continue to evolve under Maresca, Chelsea fans can look forward to a team that will challenge for titles once more—domestically and in Europe.
