Liverpool fans may be disillusioned this season, but it is nothing compared to the position Chelsea supporters find themselves in.
The Reds host the Londoners in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime, as Arne Slot‘s side look to all but secure Champions League football.
It has been a season to forget for both clubs and while Liverpool have struggled, ninth-place Chelsea have lost six matches in a row in the league, only scoring once.
Ahead of the weekend action, we spoke to despondent Blues supporter Richard Long (@Chelseafan_Rick) to discuss an awful season, Slot’s future and more.
Just how big a disaster has Chelsea’s season turned into?
Liam Rosenior has been sacked by Chelsea (Nick Potts/PA)
Relegation aside, it doesn’t get much worse, does it?
After destroying PSG in the Club World Cup final, I think the fans were very optimistic for the season ahead, but it has been a disaster from the off.
There’s no quick fix either, and with the likelihood now of no European football next season, it’s hard to see how things get much better any time soon.
What are the main reasons for it?
Owner of Chelsea Todd Boehly in the stands ahead of the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London. Picture date: Sunday August 14, 2022.
The main problem starts from the top. The new owners have come in with new ideas and strategies which simply have not worked.
They took a huge gamble and spent a fortune, but ultimately they’ve lost.
Who would have thought that spending over £1 billion on young, talented players, but overlooking experience and leadership, wouldn’t have paid off?
Of course, the players also need to take part of the blame for downing tools and not being committed.
The managers have clearly not been of the standard you would associate with Chelsea – the appointment of Liam Rosenior was laughable.
But this whole strategy comes from the top, and that is where the fans are rightly pointing their fingers.
Which three players have struggled most for Chelsea? Who has shone?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, October 20, 2024: Chelsea's goalkeeper Robert Sánchez during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
I am absolutely sick to death of talking about Robert Sanchez. It is astonishing that he remains our best goalkeeper.
The man is a walking disaster every time he plays, and it has reached a point of no longer being angry with him for his constant mistakes.
I just feel a numb sadness watching him.
Wesley Fofana has proven to be a very expensive flop and has made so many individual errors this season. He just switches off constantly.
Jamie Gittens is another player who has really struggled, and you watch him scratching your head wondering how he cost nearly £40 million.
He genuinely looks no better than a Championship player, again highlighting the huge wastage of money on transfers.
The clear standout player is Joao Pedro. He has been the one silver lining of a dreadful season and is so good technically.
He reminds me a lot of Nicolas Anelka.
Who’s your ideal choice to be the next manager?
MADRID, SPAIN - Wednesday, March 15, 2023: Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg game between Real Madrid CF and Liverpool FC at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Madrid won 1-0 (6-2 on aggregate). (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Carlo Ancelotti would be my first choice if he ever became available – arguably the best manager in the game and would instantly get the fans back on side.
But I thoroughly expect us to get another young up-and-coming manager who doesn’t last the season.
How do you rate Liverpool’s season? Would you keep Arne Slot?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 25, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
I think after last year, this season can’t really be seen as anything other than a massive failure for Liverpool.
There have obviously been some unfortunate injuries, particularly to Alexander Isak, who when fit, is probably the best striker in the Premier League.
Florian Wirtz, considering his price tag and expectation, has been a massive disappointment, too.
There are definitely mitigating factors Arne Slot can point to – I actually think the owners have shown real class in keeping him on to finish the season, given that he won the title last season with ease.
Would I keep him on? Probably not, as this season has just been so unacceptably poor.
Where do you think both sides will finish this season?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 25, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz applauds the supporters after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool: fourth.
Chelsea: 10th (I’m optimistic it will be top half!).
Where do you see the key battles taking place at Anfield?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 3, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk applauds the travelling supporters after the FA Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford. Man Utd won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
I think the centre of midfield will be interesting. Recently, it has been an issue for both teams, with a real lack of legs.
Winning that midfield battle will be so important.
I am looking forward to seeing Pedro up against Virgil van Dijk, too.
Not many defenders have got the better of him this season, and with age now clearly catching up with Van Dijk, it will be interesting to see how he copes.
Finally, what’s your prediction?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 11, 2026: Liverpool's Andy Robertson touches the badge in front of the supporters after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Fulham FC at Anfield. The game ended 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool 3-1 Chelsea.
A game full of chances and little quality.