Boehly 'heavily criticised' big money signing after Chelsea defeat

Suraj Radia

• 17 Apr 2023 18:17 BST
• 2 min read

Todd Boehly labelled Chelsea’s season as embarrassing in an astonishing speech in the dressing room which included the owner singling out one of the club’s big money signings for criticism.

Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton to make it three successive losses under interim boss Frank Lampard, prompting Boehly to visit the dressing room after the game with members of the board in the hopes of lifting spirits before the Blues face Real Madrid on Tuesday.

However, The Guardian report that the impromptu meeting lasted an hour and was ‘weird’ according to an insider, with Boehly expressing his displeasure at the team’s form, which has seen just seven wins in the last 29 games across all competitions.

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While Boehly tried to encourage players to turn around their 2-0 first leg deficit against Real and save the team’s season, the Chelsea owner allegedly left the players in no doubt that he expected better after spending more than £600 million on transfers in his first year at the club.

One unnamed player, signed for a large fee in the last 12 months, was singled out for ‘heavy criticism’ according to the Guardian and is believed to be disillusioned with the situation.

However, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga insisted there was nothing unusual about Boehly’s speech, describing the situation as normal, with the owner regularly stopping by in the changing room after games.

Lampard unfazed by Boehly visit

Lampard, meanwhile, insisted he had no problem with the owner’s decision to come into the dressing room, having been given the chance to address the players first before Boehly’s speech.

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“There may have been some criticism of our old owner for not coming to games, not being around, and that wasn’t alway true to be fair,” Lampard said.

“But when an owner is invested in their interest in the team and wants to help and improve, it’s their prerogative to have the input they want.

“There is no problem with it. I had my things to say after the game. If the owner comes in and wants to be positive and speak to the players, then I think it is his part to do that.”