by Todd Boehly attended Chelsea’s annual Christmas lunch last week which was documented on the club’s official website with a picture of the American billionaire chatting with guests.
The guests warmly welcomed the appearance of Boehly, chief executive Chris Jurasek, board members Lord Finkelstein and Barbara Charone and sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart inside the ‘great hall’ at Stamford Bridge.
But what the picture on Chelsea’s website didn’t show was that Boehly and Co were seated at a table closed to most of the 500 attendees and patrolled by eagle-eyed security, who couldn’t get around them but with a flash of it. a VVIP pass or a neat roll of the hips.
Those outside of Chelsea’s circle of trust were left a little confused as to why they couldn’t get an audience with Boehly and Co during what was widely regarded as a classy event, brilliantly hosted by Chris Hollins, son of former player John, and attended by many former players.
Boehly’s board members were as unhappy as everyone else to be eating their ham hock terrine starters and Norfolk turkey main courses within a roped-off joint as the billionaire and his evening guests greeted, shook hands, posed for pictures and They talked to those who managed to get close to them.
But Boehly’s address to supporters was printed in the program for the annual luncheon, rather than delivered in person, reflecting in many ways the first 18 months of his ownership, along with Clearlake Capital chief executive Behdad Eghbali.
Chelsea’s owners have been keen to maintain an open and approachable image, and yet the vast majority of supporters have heard or read nothing from them without a script at a time when there are more questions than any clear answers.
Former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich generally left his public speaking and club engagements at Stamford Bridge to former chairman Bruce Buck, who was not noted for his communication skills. Results on the pitch also did the talking for the Russians, although the club must now wait to find out whether they were always deemed to have been achieved entirely within the rules.
Boehly and Eghbali have attended far more games and functions than many other owners in the Premier League, and, along with Chelsea’s sporting directors, have tried to maintain a healthy line of indirect communication between themselves, supporters and all sorts average.
The pair issued a ‘sanitary letter to the fans’ at the end of last season, which was well-meaning but of no real substance or value.
Those who go by the title of the club’s ‘executive leadership team’ have met and will continue to do so with fan groups, with Winstanley and Stewart conducting a lengthy in-house interview to pose more challenging questions to the independent media at later.
But while they cannot be accused of being absent or isolated, the wider public silence from Boehly and Eghbali threatens to undermine their efforts to win over Chelsea’s frustrated and angry fan base, and d It could present head coach Mauricio Pochettino with a difficult presentation.
Neither Boehly nor Eghbali have ever publicly explained why they sold Thomas Tuchel, who won the Champions League at Chelsea, why they ditched Graham Potter, the youth transfer policy for the first time, or exactly what is expected from Pochettino and his inexperienced team. this season.
There has also been a deafening silence about the plans for Stamford Bridge and the ever-changing personnel within the club. Jurasek has so far chosen not to explain some of his decisions, such as ending the bus subsidy for away fans, which has angered his supporters.
Instead, fans have been left to feed off quick interviews with Boehly and Egbhali’s Clearlake partner Jose Feliciano at American business events where they are often asked a pointed question about Chelsea without being challenged about their answer or any of the issues. they are concerned. this side of the pond.
The win against Manchester United means that Chelsea ended Wednesday evening in 10th place in the Premier League table, 11 points off fourth place. Given Potter’s sacking with the team 11th and 12 points short of a Champions League place, it’s reasonable to ask what exactly Pochettino is expecting this season.
Pochettino has combined bold talk about maintaining Chelsea’s winning culture with more cautious reminders that his players will need time to reach their potential. He has also suggested that he asked for more input into the transfer strategy going forward.
So where does that sit with Boehly and Eghbali? No one outside their inner circle really knows and, unless they decide the time is right to speak up without a script, supporters outside the ropes will have to keep guessing.
