Chelsea’s 114-Year Low: Boehly has burnt down the Roman empire | OneFootball

Amid a plethora of figures who would mourn the current incarnation of Chelsea, perhaps one will feel frustrated more than once.

Roman Abramovich spent almost two decades transforming Chelsea. From the moment he ushered in a new dawn at Stamford Bridge in 2003 to his exit under a cloud 19 years later, Abramovich had only one objective: To win.

A team that had occasionally competed for trophies began to collect them with regularity. 21 major prizes were lifted under Abramovich, including twoChampions League titles. No London side had ever previously been European champions, and none have since.

Abramovich's fall from grace in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and subsequent government-enforced sanctions was an unceremonious end to his ownership.

Putting that enormous elephant to one side of the room, from a footballing perspective solely, the contrast between Abramovich's Chelsea and Todd Boehly's bumbling Blues could not be more stark.

Chelsea suffer worst run of results since 1912 after Brighton defeat

A dismal defeat at Brighton has all but ended Champions League hopes, and was a fifth straight league loss. Chelsea have failed to score in any of those games, the club's worst run of form for 114 years.

"In the basics, in the pride you should have in wearing the shirt, that was unacceptable," head coachLiam Rosenior ranted at full-time.

"I've defended the players, and I am accountable. I've always said that. But after tonight, I think the players as well need to have a look in the mirror for what they put in. We lost 80 per cent of duels. We didn't win a header. Two of the goals come when we could head the ball. At any level, if you make those errors and lack of engagement, you're not going to win games of football."

Rosenior is not to blame for his appointment, but it's one of several poor decisions Chelsea have made. This is a coach with limited senior experience at any level, let alone managing a club with Chelsea's expectations. An internal BlueCo promotion without the required credentials for the job he inherited.

Chelsea have shattered transfer records under BlueCo, as Boehly and company have attempted their own 'Money-Ball' mission. There has been an absurd number of incomings and outgoings, with a focus on emerging talent. The oldest outfield regular is Tosin Adarabioyo, at just 28.

Chelsea have spread their bets and prioritised youth, with the hope that rough diamonds can become polished. Some might still bear fruit but Stamford Bridge, right now, is far from an idealistic environment to nurture novices. With an inexperienced squad and head coach, where will vital lessons be learned?

Somewhere along the line, the vision between long-term potential and winning has become blurred. This is not an organisation centred around success. The Abramovich era saw tunnel-like focus on big trophies. It may have been a ruthless 'hire them and fire them' policy, but nothing but the best was accepted.

Serial winners in Jose Mourinho, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte all paid the price for falling short. Patience was a virtue that came second to that of determination to win.

Football is not all about winning, but Chelsea is a club that has been accustomed to it. In such a short time, Boehly has burnt down the empire that Roman built.