Counting down the days until the new season began last August seems only moments ago; but now here we are, weeks away from the conclusion of this year’s campaign.
This season marked Jose’s first in his second spell at the Bridge, and with only four League and two – perhaps three – European games remaining, we review what positives – as well as negatives – derive from the year. If we are to believe everything we read, the Blues’ boss has been given an initial four years to create a new dynasty at Chelsea. Four years to make a good team into a great team, with a foundation to build on over the next decade or so.
A lot of people do forget that, although this year has been relatively successful, this is supposedly another season of transition for the Blues. This summer will see many changes both in and out at the club, with the seemingly immortal core of the team soon to give way to a promising and exciting group of young players.
The season has been priceless in terms of integrating the new boys into the team; the likes of Willian, Matic, Schurrle and perhaps Salah all gaining crucial experience in the English game. Willian in particular appears to have a bright future at the club, and his development in his role behind the striker – be it left, right or directly behind – has been great to see. At times the linkup play between the Brazilian and whoever he plays alongside has been sensational, and his work rate, desire and enthusiasm to help the team off the ball has made him one of the standout players this year.
So, if we were to win no silverware in the next month, how do we determine whether it’s been a successful or forgettable season? How do we conclude that Jose’s return has had a positive impact on Chelsea Football Club? Do we base our judgement on data (games won, goals scored etc.), or do we look at the direction this season has taken us in for future years?
If you base your opinion on the latter, I think it’s fair to say that Jose’s second reign has begun positively. We get the impression that this team is far from what Mourinho has in mind, with the – correct – public criticising of our forwards suggesting the manager wants a cleanout in the summer. So to put that into context, the Blues are in the Semi-finals of the Champions League, with a chance at the Premier League title,  and Jose doesn’t even consider it to be a good enough team; as a fan, that leaves me with high hopes for the summer and the next few years.
However, it’s been a far from perfect season. Particularly, the performance of our strikers, as well as the team’s performances away from home, have been evidently disappointing. Availability heuristic – Villa and Palace away, six points that may have won us the league, had we gone there as a clinical team prepared to fight. It’s difficult to see Jose not bringing in a new forward next season, so I think another disappointing element is that next season may be a transition for that particular player, when really – had the right player been available – this season could have been used for such needs.
One thing that is difficult to determine from only one season of Jose is his plans for the academy players and perhaps the financial future of the club. It’s been a while since anybody came through the ranks and made it in the first team – it’s the idea of finding the next big thing before the current big thing is no longer a big thing anymore, and avoiding a hit to the bank balance at the same time. The only real player to make a progression this year is Lewis Baker, who made a couple of Capital One Cup bench appearances, followed by his professional debut against Derby in the FA Cup earlier this year. This is something the fans want to see more of; if Jose wants to build a new dynasty at the Bridge, there need to be thoughts based on the longterm future of the club, and not just a big signing to come and please the crowd for two years.
Ultimately, the success of the season still hangs in the balance; two trophies are still there for the taking, as the Blues conclude their first season in the new era.
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