‘Par for the course’ – Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly on criticism from sections of Blues fanbase

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has described criticism from supporters as “par for the course”

A small section of Blues fans gathered to protest over the running of the west London club before last week’s win over Southampton.

Boehly and Clearlake Capital bought Chelsea from Roman Abramovich in 2022.

Some Chelsea supporters have been critical of the inability to secure Champions League football and also a lack of progression in terms of upgrading or improving Stamford Bridge.

Boehly, speaking at the FT Business of Football Conference in London, said: “It is just par for the course.

“The reality is that the sooner you learn you can’t keep everyone happy all the time, then freedom comes from that.

“You are just trying to execute a plan, but you recognise things aren’t linear. As long as you are trending in the right direction, then you feel better. I think the trend is in the right direction and that’s the thing that matters.

“In June, it will be three years – and it isn’t a lot of time. As a 60-year-old, especially in an industry with so little downtime, it’s a whirling dervish of activity when you step on.

“It’s a steep learning curve, but I think that’s a good thing.”

Fifth-placed Chelsea are a point behind Manchester City, in the final Champions League qualification place.

Boehly said: “December was peak but, eight weeks out, things are a little different now.

“If you look at the foundations being built, new management team, new academy leadership, sporting director leadership and player mindset. All that’s there and now it is about cultivating the development of the team.

“You are always going to try to get better.”

PICTURE: ALAMY