Chelsea's silent struggle: The unnoticed fall of the once-mighty giants

If we were to assess which football giants endured a more depressing season, Chelsea would currently narrowly surpass Manchester United. Occupying 12th spot in the Premier League table, Chelsea's position looks bleak with a mere 19 points from 16 games. Their goal difference stands at zero, and they have managed only five wins this season, leaving them with a daunting 18-point gap behind league leaders Liverpool.

However, despite the London club's horrible performance, it is the Red Devils who have attracted the harshest criticism and global ridicule, while the Blues have largely flown under the radar. As one of the most widely followed clubs in the world, United are perpetually under the strictest scrutiny, and to thicken the plot, they have also been embroiled in sensational off-the-pitch controversies and intrigue. Nevertheless, all of this cannot disguise the fact that Chelsea find themselves in an even more abysmal predicament.

Despite a staggering summer expenditure of over $500 million, the highest ever in a Premier League transfer window, and the absence of European football to distract them, new manager Mauricio Pochettino has struggled to guide his team on a winning run. Sunday's match proved to be yet another low point in their season. Everton, playing as ruthless hosts, secured a 2-0 win, marking Chelsea's seventh loss of the season and their third defeat in the last four matches. 

It is rather perplexing to witness a team boasting such star-studded talent, including World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Silva, Moises Caicedo, Reece James and Raheem Sterling, failed to reach their full potential. As a behemoth of the football world, Chelsea have previously showcased dominance in winning both the Premier League and the Champions League. However, their current state reveals a squad that appears disorganized and lacking a cohesive plan, innovative ideas, a clear identity and a solid structure.

If the intention behind the extravagant signings was to fast-track success and offer an infusion of quality that would make an immediate impact, Chelsea's struggle to find consistency highlights the perils of hastily dismantling and rebuilding a team. Team-building requires not only strategic planning, an aspect that has seemed lacking at Chelsea this season, but also the luxury of time, a factor that their billionaire owner Todd Boehly may have disregarded.

Creating an almighty team is a delicate process that demands patience and careful development. Rushing this process can have detrimental consequences on the team's performance. The financial backers of Chelsea, with their deep pockets, have underestimated the significance of allowing players to adapt, form connections and establish a shared identity. 

It would be unjust to place the entirety of Chelsea's current mess solely on Pochettino's shoulders. However, in the world of football, results hold immense importance, and it is unrealistic to expect a sudden turnaround in form in the highly competitive Premier League. Pochettino was well aware of the challenges he would face when he took charge. The absence of a significant number of injured and unavailable senior players is making the situation even more challenging. As Chelsea prepare to host bottom side Sheffield United on Saturday, the pressure on him could intensify. 

Pochettino's reputation for resilience and resourcefulness precedes him, and these qualities will undoubtedly come into play as Chelsea grapple with their muddled situation. Whether he will adapt his tactics to navigate through these challenges remains to be seen, and only time will reveal the outcome. It will certainly be intriguing to witness if Chelsea can reclaim their position as one of the most formidable sides in the world, and whether Pochettino will be the man to lead them on this arduous journey.

Chelsea cannot hide behind the struggles of United indefinitely.