Getty Image / Marcio Machado
Chelsea Football Club are one of the most popular soccer teams not just in the world, but among Americans as well. This data shows that it is among the leaders in terms of jersey sales in the United States.
Part of their popularity in America is that the London-based club was one of Europe’s best during the rise of Premier League Football in the USA in the 2000s. And, Chelsea has continued that kind of success throughout the best decade, as the club is in the midst of arguably its best 20-year stretch in the history of the club.
When Chelsea signed American wunderkind Christian Pulisic in 2019, many American fans who were getting into the game but had not yet picked a team decided to go with “the Blues” as their team. That paid off almost immediately, as they won the UEFA Champions League in 2021.
But, Chelsea fans across the globe have had a rough go of it this year. The club is under new ownership after legendary owner Roman Abramovich was forced out over his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and American billionaire Todd Boehly bought the team and invested heavily in the squad in the winter transfer window following multiple transfer windows where the club was severely restricted in their spending due to Abramovich’s issues.
But, it has not paid off in the Premier League Table. With just three matches left, Chelsea sits in 11th in the 20-team league, which is embarrassing considering only six clubs really have the resources to contend for the championship each year.
They’ve gone through two managers in Graham Potter and club legend Frank Lampard, but both have been sacked. Lampard is serving as the interim until the end of this season, though. On Saturday, the club agreed to terms with one of the best managers in the world, Mauricio Pochettino.
It’s happening! 🇦🇷
HERE WE GO 🔥
Confirmed by @FabrizioRomano 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Sc1Rg2PGUJ
— Mauricio Pochettino (@PochettinoPics) May 13, 2023
Pochettino is most well-known for his stint at London rivals Tottenham, where he led the team to four straight Champions League appearances and a runners-up finish in the Champions League in 2017 and the Champions League in 2019.
And, it’s been lauded as a great hire for Chelsea.
Great that the Chelsea board are concluding plans to hire Pochettino, finally! hope his appointment will bring success to the club cos we have suffered so much this season and deserve better next season. #KTBFFH
— Jeff (@jeffpenberton__) May 13, 2023
Very excited for this Pochettino era.
Love the fundamentals & everything I’ve been told on how he’s approached the job already, fit perfectly with our project.
Only thing idk is whether Poch is genuinely a world class coach… I’m excited to find out & will support from day one. pic.twitter.com/Pv4Wd4JFaD
— Felix (@FelixJohnston_) May 13, 2023
We're cooking
— joely 21 (@joely217) May 13, 2023
This is exactly what we need someone to instil hard work ethic , not pochs biggest fan but if he can get the boys running I'll be happy.
— ⭐️⭐️ (@carefreeramires) May 13, 2023
A big summer is ahead for Chelsea, but at least they now have the manager of the future.