Chelsea stand by for the big break- up
CHELSEA could lose up to nine players this summer as the club face the bleak prospect of a world without the Champions League.
Paris Saint- Germain’s wrecking of any hope of a place at Europe’s top table next year will signal the break- up of Roman Abramovich’s expensive squad.
Eden Hazard, Oscar, Nemanja Matic and Loic Remy are almost certain to move on. Skipper John Terry is set to go with no contract offer materialising while key striker Diego Costa wants a return to Spain. Radamel Falcao will end his disastrous loan spell, Alexandre Pato is unlikely to stay on and Pedro may also go.
Chelsea are set to hand Willian a bumper new deal in the next few weeks in an attempt to keep one of their few remaining world- class assets but it is not certain he will stay with offers sure to come.
Prospective new manager Antonio Conte is set to finalise the terms of his deal next week having secured the promises of the back room staff he wants. But the Italy coach faces the biggest rebuilding job of any Chelsea boss since Abramovich bought the club in 2003. And without Champions League football, the quality of player he can attract will suffer.
Last night fingers were being pointed at technical director Michael Emenalo, the head of recruitment, for the woeful standard of signings in the last three years.
Chelsea have only the FA Cup left to silver- line their season. And if they lose the quarter- fi nal at Everton tomorrow their season will be over in the middle of March for the first time since 2003.
Defender Branislav Ivanovic said: “All of us are very, very disappointed. The Champions League is a huge competition.
“We must work very hard to come back to the level where we can play Champions League.
“When you miss something, you know how big the thing is.
“We all hope we are going to be a strong team next season and fi ght to come back. Now everyone has to be really motivated, not just for the next couple of months, but for a long period .”
‘ We must work very hard to get back’