Chelsea Faces Mounting Concerns Amid Troubling Stretch

Four straight losses, fan protests, and a key player's public criticism raise questions about the club's direction under new ownership.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 5:08am

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Chelsea are facing a concerning stretch, with four straight defeats, fan protests, and a key player publicly criticizing the club's recent decisions. The team's poor form and discontent within the squad have raised questions about whether the club is heading towards a crisis under its new owners.

Why it matters

Chelsea's struggles come at a critical time, as they risk missing out on European football next season. The club's new owners have invested heavily, and failure to secure a top-four finish would be a major setback. The fan unrest and player discontent also suggest deeper issues within the club that need to be addressed.

The details

Chelsea have lost four games in a row, including an 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The team's recent performances have been characterized by a lack of goals, defensive vulnerabilities, and players appearing disinterested. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea's second-biggest signing, has publicly criticized the club's decision to part ways with former head coach Enzo Maresca, raising concerns about the squad's unity. Fans have also expressed their anger, with some leaving matches early and chanting in support of former owner Roman Abramovich.

  • Chelsea lost four consecutive games in March 2026.
  • The team's 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League occurred in recent weeks.
  • Chelsea are currently five points worse off than at the same stage last season.

The players

Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea's captain in the absence of the injured Reece James and the club's second-biggest signing, costing £106million in January 2023. Fernandez has publicly criticized the club's decision to part ways with former head coach Enzo Maresca.

Liam Rosenior

Chelsea's current head coach, who is facing increasing pressure after a poor run of results and fan unrest.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes there are things that as players we don't understand. It's a departure that hurt us a lot. Enzo had a very clear identity when it came to training, playing.”

— Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea Midfielder

“You're getting sacked in the morning”

— Chelsea Fans

What’s next

The international break provides Chelsea with a chance to reset and address the issues within the squad. The team's performance in their upcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and their ability to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League will be crucial in determining the club's direction for the rest of the season.

The takeaway

Chelsea's struggles highlight the challenges faced by the club's new owners, who have invested heavily but are now facing growing discontent from both players and fans. The team's poor form and lack of unity raise concerns about the club's ability to bounce back and secure a return to European football next season.