Chelsea half-term report: Jose Mourinho's old club are bottom of the class, can Guus Hiddink save them?

We assess Chelsea's season so far...

Chelsea striker Diego Costa (Getty Images)

The season so far…

Quite incredible. Where to start? Well, maybe by noting that Chelsea suffered the worst opening third of any defending champions in the history of English football, and that only takes into account on-the-pitch matters. Off it, the dismissal of doctor Eva Carneiro, the conduct of the now-former head coach and rumours of dressing room revolts all contributed to the image of a football club in crisis.

These events, coupled with dismal displays week-in and week-out, culminated in the sacking of Jose Mourinho just over a week ago. Two days later, during the 3-1 victory over Sunderland, Stamford Bridge was a smouldering wreckage, as supporters turned on players and accused them of hanging the club’s most successful manager out to dry.

Guus Hiddink is now tasked with salvaging something from the season. Following the defeat to Leicester City, his predecessor admitted that even a top-four finish looked unlikely, leaving little else to play for but pride. Chelsea’s new interim manager and supporters will hope that, like many of his post-match comments during those torrid first few months of this season, Mourinho’s fatalism was exaggerated.

Pre-season expectations

On joining the club for a second spell in 2013, Jose Mourinho spoke of building a ‘dynasty’ and, in August, it seemed like a possibility. Chelsea were most pundits’ pick for the championship, despite their failure to significantly strengthen in the summer and the rather casual way in which they clinched the league last term.

Nobody, however, saw this coming and the fact that they have fallen well short of expectations barely needs stating.

What they need in January

It’s hard to know whether new signings, a few wins or just some time off the back pages would be best for Chelsea. The ‘crisis club’ tag seems to have shifted to Manchester United for the time being, at least.

If they do decide to dip their toes into the market, the striker department would be the best place to start. It is risky to rely on Diego Costa too heavily, even when he’s in form, and questions remain over both Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao.

The latter’s Colombian international teammate Jackson Martinez, who has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in reports today, could be an option.

Prediction: 9th

Hiddink’s appointment should bring about an improvement, albeit one from a low bar. It may be wise for everyone at the club to see the league campaign as a write-off and concentrate on Europe.

There would, after all, be something typically ‘Chelsea’ about them emerging out of this with Champions League winners’ medals.

Grade: E