Himself
Sometimes football can deliver the most stinging surprises, but out of adversity emerge new heroes, new hope and new beginnings. An influx of exciting stars arrived at the Bridge including World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, dazzling Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk, dynamic forward Noni Madueke and a future colossus at the back in Benoit Badashile, alongside fellow French international Wesley Fofana. These prodigious young talents joined the proven winners in the Chelsea squad, ready to create a potent mix for the next chapter in the club's glorious history. The 2022/23 season was not the one Chelsea fans wanted or expected, but the foundations have been laid for a swift return to future glories. Chelsea will be back, and a new era awaits. Containing action from every game of the season in all competitions, and an extended extra feature celebrating Cesar Azpilicueta's half century of appearances for the club.
Himself
In Thomas Tuchel's first full year in charge, the European champions became champions of the world, adding two more trophies to the collection and were sudden-death spot-kicks away from celebrating twice more. Bolstered by the continued emergence of Academy graduates and the returning Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea were a permanent fixture in the Premier League's top four. In the first of the three finals decided by penalty shoot-outs, the UEFA Super Cup was secured in Belfast while Kai Havertz was again the hero as the Blues captured the FIFA Club World Cup. Further silverware was so close, but Chelsea were twice denied by Liverpool. First, in a dramatic 21-goal shoot-out in the final of the Carabao Cup and then agonisingly again in the FA Cup Final. As the Roman Abramovich era at Stamford Bridge came to an end it was still a season of success, but also one of what could have been, although the Blues proved once again we are among the very best.
