**Chelsea**closed the campaign in style with a return to the **Champions League**and a victory in the Conference League final. For Frank Sinclair, a former defender for the Blues, these steps speak well of the work of their manager Enzo Maresca and mean more can be expected in the future.
Sinclair spoke about their trajectory this season, how transfers take them to the next level and also reserved praise for some big performers from the final— especially the man with the armband.
‘The squad is improving all the time’
Even though the **Club World Cup**is left to play, it is time to reflect on the campaign for Chelsea.
A year ago, the board backed Enzo Maresca last summer to take the job from Mauricio Pochettino. This was despite a five match winning streak at the end of a complicated campaign and an appearance in the final of the Carabao Cup. Indeed, there have been more mixed feelings about the Italian as time has passed, but Sinclair thinks that the change in leadership was a positive choice overall.
“You can’t look back. I liked Pochettino a lot, he did great at Spurs and ended the season well last year with such a big squad of players. But looking at Enzo, you have to say the board make a good decision. He has got Champions League football, a trophy and the squad is improving all the time.”
By mid-December, only league leaders **Liverpool**were ahead of Chelsea. From then until the end of May, their record is only ninth best in the Premier League. There have been concerns about how good this team are, but Sinclair said their performances under pressure point to improvement.
*“I think you are only as good as your final few games and Chelsea got over the line to secure Champions League football. Defensively they improved massively, and they delivered a superb performance in a European final. So, I think there is plenty to be optimistic about for Chelsea.”*
Maresca was careful to play down title talk when a derby day victory over **Tottenham**put his men second in the table. Now, he has to be ambitious and set his sights on becoming the best in England.
“With a big squad and Enzo looking to get to grips with the squad, knowing how to get the most out of players was something he had to learn. Results did dip, but credit to him and the team for achieving their goals. Right now, they are a top four team in the Premier League and can push on next year.
*“It’s job well done on their part. Enzo has proven he should be respected and can now plan for next season with additions coming in, for Chelsea to compete with Man City, Liverpool & Arsenal.”*
‘Class is permanent’
After the Blues banked a spot in the Champions League, they turned to completing the set on the continent. A 4-1 rout of Real Betis in the Conference League final saw all four goals come after the restart, and Cole Palmer spearheaded the fightback with assists for the first two goals. It has not been a straightforward season for him, but Sinclair is sure about his talismanic qualities as an attacker.
“He was in the squad for the EUROs, and he is the talisman for the team, so he is still very young, and it is not easy to be consistent every single game. Form can dip during a campaign, but there is where others can step up when needed. But class is permanent. You can see what impact he had during the key games at the end of the season and also in the final to show how good a player he is.”
Sinclair also spoke about Enzo Fernandez, who levelled the score and seems to have found his feet.
“I think it was difficult for him to head to Chelsea and relocate in London. Some players it takes time to readjust and with Enzo, it seemed that way. Learning to play with new players as well takes time to get a good relationship. Now I think you are seeing the best of him, and his goal was great, and you can see what it meant to him. I hope he can now look to impose himself much more in games.”
A defender in his playing days, he holds the club captain Reece James in high regard. The right back came on for **Malo Gusto**after half time, highlighting the quality of his game when he is fit to feature.
“He’s massive: see the impact James had when he came on. He’s Chelsea through and through. You can tell players know how important he is to the club and as a teammate. He is so impactful as a player, he has the attributes to be a top Chelsea player for years to come. With so many nationalities in the dressing room, he is the one who others can look up to and he gives 100% all the time.”
‘A striker for me is needed’
The triumph in the **Conference League**final is also a big feat for the ownership. It is the first time that the side has secured silverware since the Club World Cup at the start of 2022, ending the trophy drought for Todd Boehly. It could be an achievement that kickstarts the culture of success again.
“It’s a new era, a good young group of players and the quality they have in the squad was evident in the second half especially. Don’t underestimate how much this will do for this group of players and for the future of the club with Maresca. Chelsea can build on this with the right additions to the squad.”
One of the players that could add to the squad is Jadon Sancho. The club had agreed on an obligation to buy the winger from Man United. But payment of a penalty clause could cancel out the deal if the Blues believe it is bad business, and Sinclair suggested the side could benefit from other alternatives.
“*Chelsea need a right footed player on the left hand side of attack, so Sancho is an option for sure. He scored a nice goal in the final and looks to be a good member of the team, but if Chelsea can find an alternative who has a little more hunger and better finishing with work rate, I would go for them.”*
The spending spree has been manic under BlueCo, but they need to act smartly to recruit the top talent that can elevate their ceiling. Above all, Sinclair said that the spine of this side needs strengthening.
*“A striker for me is needed to take Chelsea to the next level. Victor Osimhen has been mentioned, but I like Viktor Gyokeres. I think another winger is key who can complement Cole Palmer and a top centre half as well to bring more leadership to the centre of the defence. Elsewhere, the centre of midfield is very strong and with these additions, I think Chelsea can challenge next season.”*
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