Why things will only get worse for Chelsea before they get better

After falling to a humiliating defeat to Nottingham Forest on Monday afternoon, Chelsea recorded a sixth straight loss for the first time since 1993.

When Enzo Maresca departed Stamford Bridge on New Year's Day, the Blues sat fifth with hopes of Champions League qualification and silverware, but five months later, the club is in a state of disarray.

Liam Roseinor has since been sacked after a dismal spell, while Callum McFarlane is yet again tasked with patching things up before serious change this summer.

The West London club now face the distinct possibility of finishing the season in the bottom half, but that is the least of their worries as their plight is predicted to trigger even more torrid times ahead.

Here, DAZN News analyses why things could start to spiral for Chelsea following a harrowing second half of the campaign.

 

Chelsea's financial state of play

On April 1, no, this is not an April Fool's Day joke, Chelsea announced the biggest pre-tax loss in Premier League history.

The club recorded a deficit of £262million, surpassing the £197.5million lost by Manchester City in 2011, despite raking in £490.9million in revenue, the second-highest total in their history.

Having won the FIFA Club World Cup last summer, earning them £85million, coupled with money generated from this season's Champions League, the West Londoners expect their revenue to be at record levels in their next accounts.

However, with the Blues set to miss out on qualification for next season's European premier competition, they are expected to miss out on more than £100million, including prize money and broadcast deals.

While the club have aligned with profit and sustainability rules (PSR), their lack of progress on the pitch means that they are set to fall behind their rivals with some key knock-on effects.

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Interest in the Blues' star players

Perhaps the biggest concern heading into the summer is that Chelsea are at risk of losing some of their key players.

Enzo Fernandez, who was signed for a club-record £106.8million, has toyed with the idea of leaving for Real Madrid and was suspended from playing for speaking openly to the media about the idea.

Seemingly, he has a love affair with Madrid, while there has also been talk of a move to Man City, but if anyone moved for the World Cup winner, they would surely have to at least match the sum Chelsea paid.

Then there is Joao Pedro, who has become Chelsea's talisman this season, providing the one moment of quality on Monday afternoon with a sublime bicycle kick.

He has garnered interest from Spanish giants Barcelona, and while they may have trouble financing such a deal, it would be unsurprising if others came knocking.

Cole Palmer is another to have been linked with a move away from the club, although he rubbished rumours that he was unsettled and eyeing a return to Manchester.

Despite their plight, the Blues do possess several key assets, but given the club's lack of progress, it would be hard to begrudge them a move in pursuit of Champions League football.

Key managerial appointment ahead

Firstly, McFarlane and co must somehow salvage Chelsea's season, and if they can lift the FA Cup, then they would qualify for the Europa League, which would at least be some nugget of hope for supporters.

Then comes arguably their most critical decision: who replaces Rosenior as head coach.

Xabi Alonso, Andoni Iraola and now Xavi have all been linked with the post, but given that several top clubs are eyeing new managers this summer, they are likely to face competition for the man they want.

If they can get the next appointment right, though, then that will lay the foundations for the future and may even convince the Blues' starlets to stay and take the club forward.

For now, Chelsea must aim to finish the season strong with silverware, but things threaten to become even bleaker before light appears at the end of the tunnel.

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