THE LOWDOWN — THE FULL HISTORY
FINISHED FOOTBALL
In May 2025 Chelsea beat Betis 4-1 and became the first club to have won every European trophy that has ever existed. In July they beat PSG 3-0 in the Club World Cup final in New Jersey, with Palmer scoring twice and making the third.
THE CRASH
Then came five straight defeats without a goal, a first since 1912. Their manager was talking to Manchester City about succeeding Guardiola without permission, and was gone by New Year's Day. His replacement was sacked within 15 weeks: three coaches in one season.
TENTH
PSG won their tie 8-2 on aggregate, City won the Cup final, and tenth was sealed at Sunderland. Fans protested against the owners, waving carrots.
THE RESET
Xabi Alonso, who made Leverkusen unbeaten champions, arrived on a four-year deal. The under-25 signing rule was dropped with the arrivals of Welbeck and Henderson, and Rogers was signed. The last time Chelsea finished tenth, in 2015, they won the league the next season. Number 10 in THE COUNTDOWN.
MORE FROM THE COUNTDOWN
THE TERRACES — DISCUSSION
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