Chelsea sporting directors release rare statement ahead of Tottenham clash

With a miserable 2025/26 campaign coming to its conclusion, Chelsea’s sporting directors have released a lengthy statement ahead of this evening’s Premier League clash with Tottenham

Chelsea’s Sporting Leadership team have accepted they “must do better” in the future and have acknowledged the standards of the club have not been met this season.

The Blues will finish the campaign trophy-less after two managerial changes throughout the season. Enzo Maresca left in January after falling out with the club’s board, before his successor Liam Rosenior was sacked in April after less than four months in the dugout.

After winning the Conference League and Club World Cup last season, Chelsea will finish this season without a trophy and are unlikely to qualify for next season’s Champions League. European football is still on the radar of the Blues, but the five-strong team of sporting directors – Laurence Stewart, Paul Winstanley, Joe Shields, Sam Jewell and Dave Fallows – have accepted this is not good enough in relation to the club’s high standards.

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The Sporting Leadership team have released a lengthy letter – consisting of over 850 words – in the matchday programme ahead of this evening’s Premier League fixture with Tottenham.

The letter read: “As we welcome you to Stamford Bridge for one final time this season, in a game that always carries special meaning, we do so mindful that this is the point at which a campaign is ultimately defined.

“This season has been one that has demanded resilience, belief and unity. Across the men’s, women’s and Academy teams, our players and staff have continued to represent this club with commitment and purpose, while striving every day to push standards higher. The journey of a season is rarely straightforward, but progress is best measured by how a group responds to challenge, and in that sense we have continued to grow.

“At the same time, we are clear in our assessment of the campaign as a whole. It began in strong fashion, with the club crowned world champions at the FIFA Club World Cup. While we are proud of that success, and what it represents for this group, we recognise that the season overall has not met the standards, expectations or ambitions that define Chelsea Football Club.

“We understand the disappointment that brings, and we share it. This is a club that measures itself against the very highest levels, and we know we must do better. That responsibility is very clear, and it is one we fully accept. The club’s supporters expect more, and so do we.

“We remain clear in our ambition for Chelsea Football Club. Our aim is to build teams that compete with courage and intelligence, bravery and unity, while establishing foundations that endure beyond a single season. That approach has guided our recruitment, our development strategy and the alignment between the Academy and the first teams.

“Creating sustainable success means investing in talent, but also in time, structure and shared values. No club wants to experience change in the head coach position, and we are continuing to work to bring stability to that role.

“With that in mind, we were delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the Men’s Team on Sunday. Xabi is one of the most respected figures in the modern game and will begin work with us this summer having already experienced coaching at the highest level of European football with Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen.

“He is not only an outstanding coach but also a proven leader, and we are thoroughly looking forward to working closely with him. Please join us in giving Xabi a warm welcome to the Chelsea family.

“Before then, we look forward to tonight’s London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, as the men’s team looks to end the Premier League season strongly after narrowly missing out on silverware by finishing runner-up in Saturday’s FA Cup final.

“Thanks must go to Calum (McFarlane) and his staff for their efforts after stepping up from the Academy this season – a symbol of the pathway both on and off the pitch. Expectations at Chelsea are always to be competing at the top of the Premier League and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League at this stage of the season. That has not changed. Everyone at this club is doing everything they can to correct that next year.”

On the women’s and academy team, the sporting directors added: “Sonia (Bompastor) has set such high standards for Chelsea Women and that success is underlined by the fact winning a single trophy is a below-par season for the team. We are still proud of the achievements and know that the work being done now is providing the foundations for Chelsea Women to maintain our place as the leaders and trailblazers in the sport.

“We want to give a special mention and thanks to captain Millie Bright who announced her retirement last month, as well as Sam Kerr who played her final game for the club on Saturday, fittingly scoring the winner and equalling a club record of 116 goals.

“Millie’s service to Chelsea, winning 20 trophies and making 314 appearances over 12 years, cements her place in the history of the club, and we were proud to unveil her tribute on the Shed Wall this week. Both Millie and Sam will forever be Chelsea legends.

“Again this season, the Academy has taken meaningful steps in their journey, reinforcing our belief that Cobham will continue to be central to the club’s future. Teams and individuals have progressed, with the Under-21s crowned Premier League 2 champions and the Under-18s clinched the Premier League South title, as well as significant success throughout the age groups.

“Special congratulations goes to Shim Mheuka who was named PL2 Player of the Season last week. Providing pathways and opportunity for young players is a tangible part of how we intend to compete at the highest level. We are proud of the progress shown and determined to see that work continue.

“For those of you that will be travelling to Sunderland for the final game of the season, we look forward to seeing you there and hope it is an enjoyable and successful trip. Otherwise, we hope you all have a relaxing summer break before we return in August for the new season. Thank you so much for your loyal support in 2025/26.”