How Chelsea have adapted the Man City blueprint  

Champions’ influence has guided Blues’ approach since takeover as City’s recent splurge suggests wider rebuild

Chelsea's Cole Palmer vies with Manchester City's Nathan Ake, Rodri and Ruben Dias during the FA Cup semi-final last season (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Chelsea have embarked on a journey of renewal since being bought by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in May 2022. The sense was of a club in need of refreshment after the end of the Roman Abramovich era and there has been plenty of change across a host of departments, aided by the borrowing of ideas from elsewhere in the game.

Recruiting best in class is the idea, according to sources at Stamford Bridge. It has meant bringing in data and recruitment gurus from Brighton and commercial figures from Manchester United, Tottenham and Milan. As for the playing and coaching side, it has been intriguing to see a heavy intake of figures associated with City Football Group.