Would FA Cup win paper over the cracks for Chelsea?
The movement is separate from the Chelsea Supporters' Trust, but the trust has also offered more measured criticism of the club in recent weeks, while focusing its efforts on securing a fairer ticketing policy. Chelsea insist they are listening and that accountability is built into their system. There is anger within the club at Chelsea 's slide down the table, which is partly attributed to Maresca surprising officials by leaving midway through the campaign, a development that made the decision to recruit Rosenior more appealing.
Unlike Maresca, Rosenior departed on good terms but, having lost the backing of parts of the dressing room, it was felt an interim appointment such as McFarlane offered a better chance of success in both the FA Cup and the Premier League. The club say they are in a "period of self-reflection", but are keen to point out they have not deviated from their aim of building a winning team or seeking greater "stability" in the head coach role. Clearlake co-founder Behdad Eghbali acknowledges the club "haven't done [that] right yet" when picking a head coach and will "tweak" their transfer policy to sign more experienced players.
Enzo Fernandez was left out of Chelsea's squad for two matches after Liam Rosenior said he crossed a line Rosenior had tried to stamp his authority and improve the culture by dropping players like Enzo Fernandez after his comments about a move to Madrid - while criticism of the project has also come from Marc Cucurella. However, the Fernandez decision had little positive impact and occurred during a historic sequence of six defeats in a row without scoring - Chelsea 's worst run in 114 years. Yet, Reece James and Moises Caicedo have both recently signed new contracts, while Cole Palmer has denied suggestions he is seeking a move to Manchester United .
Joao Pedro is also being linked with a move to Barcelona but is deemed not for sale and said he is "very happy" at the club when speaking to BBC Sport this week. In a separate interview with UK newspapers before the final, Romeo Lavia says criticism that the players downed tools was "tough to hear" and the squad have seen criticism about their culture and lack of leadership. Joao Pedro, who has emerged as one of the leaders despite joining in the summer, added: "In the difficult moment you want to see who who wants to win, who want to improve.
We have had a tough moment in the Premier League. "I spoke with everyone here, especially with Reece. We need to change.