What would losing Champions League football mean for Chelsea?

As one of the most successful clubs of the century so far, Chelsea were for many years an example of continued success. Never one to forge a dynasty or to keep a team or manager for too long, Chelsea would make huge changes but still see success. Titles domestically and in Europe have arrived consistently since the turn of the millennium. However, this season could see the once-unthinkable take place at Stamford Bridge: missing out on UEFA Champions League football again.

Chelsea fighting a bitter fight

The Blues are presently just three points off Arsenal in third spot, and four off Tottenham Hotspur in third spot. Therefore, it’s two from Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs to get in there. For Chelsea, though, they are in a bit of a state of flux. New coach Maurizio Sarri is likely to leave in the summer, and the appeal to their transfer ban was rejected. Unable to bring anyone in, Chelsea might need to look to their 40-strong loan contingent for some rejuvenation from within.

A new coach, too, is likely to come in. Missing out on the Champions League, though, would likely see players such as Eden Hazard move on. While Chelsea have the numbers to cope with any departure, the transfer ban plus the exit of a coach and star players leaves them in a tight spot. How would it impact on their squad building?

Abramhovich missing in plain sight

The fact that the main man at Chelsea, Roman Abramovich, has not been to England for some time is cause for further concern. It would appear that his love of the Chelsea project has waned in some capacity, especially in recent years. The Antonio Conte era was a successful one, but also one full of in-fighting and constant clashes of personality.

It’s for this reason that so many see missing out on the top four as devastating for the Blues. The owner is likely to take even less interest. The lack of ability to buy and the exit of marquee names could also make hiring a new manager a touch tougher. It would close off many top names in the game for the management slot, and reduce their likelihood of landing a manger who they can truly believe in.

Recruiting from the loan army

The fact that Chelsea have so many players on the books means they’ll need to sell to reduce their wage bill. With the inability to bring anyone else in, it might be time for a change in long-term policy at Chelsea. With a host of exciting young English talents on the books, they could look to make a few interesting moves and bring in some of their homegrown talent, such as Callum Hudson-Odoi and Mason Mount. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, too, could see the change in policy as a beneficial thing.

For now, though, Chelsea could really suffer from a double-dunt of negatives. Missing out on the Champions League will accelerate the exits of some very important players. The transfer ban limits the scope of the available managerial options. This season, then, could have a long-term impact on Chelsea. If the club does change policy, it might need to accept a few seasons out of the limelight as it builds once again – but with the clubs image built on chaotic success, how appealing will that be?

Chelsea were, for the best of 20 years, an outlier in creating chaos with successful results. That chaos, though, finally looks to be catching up the club.