In Focus: Poch can banish Blues with no European distractions

Chelsea's 2022-23 season was not one for the history books.

The Blues finished 12th in the Premier League, losing 16 of their 38 matches and scoring only 38 goals.

Thomas Tuchel's unexpected sacking was the start of the decline, with Graham Potter and Frank Lampard each failing to steady the ship.

But with a new, experienced manager in Mauricio Pochettino and a busy summer transfer window ahead, there should be reason for cautious optimism in West London.

The last time Chelsea did not have the distraction of continental football, Antonio Conte won the Premier League.

Chris of life

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims that Chelsea are set to announce a potentially game-changing acquisition in RB Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku.

The 25-year-old is among the most lethal forwards in Europe and also excels creatively.

Over the last two seasons, the impressive No18 has netted 36 Bundesliga goals, more than any other player in the division.

He also ranks third for assists (17), fifth for through-balls executed (12), eighth for take-ons completed (104) and ninth for big chances created (24).

Going by the numbers, there are not many players more suited to playing a Harry Kane-style role in Pochettino's 4-3-3 set-up.

Squad goals

One of the big issues for Potter at Chelsea was owner Todd Boehly's lavish January spending, which meant he had to try and keep a bloated squad happy.

But there is set to be a mass exodus at Stamford Bridge this summer with no European football on offer.

Mason Mount, N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christian Pulisic and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could all potentially leave.

And that should be a blessing in disguise for Pochettino, who can focus on moulding a far smaller group of players.

The kids are alright

Pochettino will be left with an exciting crop of youngsters to be worked with next season. 

Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Lewis Hall, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, David Datro Fofana and Armando Broja are all 23 or younger.

Teenage sensation Andrey Santos and defender Levi Colwill, 20, could also be given chances to shine in 2023-24. 

Arsenal's recent success has been built around giving youth a chance — and Chelsea would be wise to copy their London rivals' blueprint with the talent at their disposal.

Proven manager

Pochettino brings with him far more pedigree managing at the very highest level than Potter or Lampard.

The 51-year-old was part of Tottenham's most successful era in the 21st century, guiding them to a second-place Premier League finish in 2016-17 and the 2019 Champions League final, while winning 55% of his matches overall.

He also won the Ligue 1 title during his short time with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Argentine might not emulate Conte in 2016-17 but he does have all the managerial skills and know-how required to start righting many of the wrongs from the disaster of last season.