Opinions differ on which way to go, and it is doubtful that a neutral source of finance is ready to provide Boehly’s investors with the £2.5bn needed to buy Clearlake’s 61.5% stake.
Believing that Clearlake did not need outside investment to increase its stake, Boehly could be pressured by contacting Walter and Wyss.At Boehly’s end.”Underestimating your partner is always a risk in life,” says a source.
The message from those around Boehly, the initial face of the takeover, was that his mistake was to make room for Eghbali to take control day-to-day at Chelsea over the past 18 months.They question Eghbali’s level of football knowledge.One said Clearlake’s co-founder knew nothing about sports two years ago, but now “isn’t going to back down after being intoxicated in this industry.”
Boehly’s side accused Eghbali of impressing Thomas Tuchel after suggesting a 4-4-3 formation to the former Chelsea boss. Clearlake sources deny that Eghbali made recruiting picks or told coaches how to play.A source scoffed at Boehly’s claim that he is gaining sports ownership experience through minority investments in the LA Dodgers.He has convinced Clearlake to allow him to take over as Chelsea’s interim sporting director in the summer of 2022 following Abramovich’s departure, saying it would be a big deal.
Clearlake says the misconceptions arose after looking at Boehly’s work.I regret how that first window opened on agents taking advantage of Boehly.There are complaints that a signee has the right to determine his salary, and Boehly believes he should be more responsible for that window.Clearlake feels his changes have put Chelsea on course to qualify for the Champions League after starting their second season without a shirt sponsor.He looked back in frustration at expensive signings such as Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly, who joined Arsenal on loan last month.While supporting the decision to sack Tuchel, Boehly is said to have pushed for the appointment of Graham Potter, who was sacked after less than seven months.
Boehly’s stance was that his aim was to keep the sport in shape and keep the experts in peace, but Eghbali gained more influence over football as Chelsea built a new recruitment team and empowered co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.
A positive perception is that his financial expertise can help in negotiations for the signing of athletic directors, Boehly sees it as evidence of smaller management.Last summer, an agent found Eghbali tired of talking about his client after an initial conversation with an athletic director.Chelsea could not make a decision on the player.
Having spent over £1 billion in the past two years, Chelsea are moving in the right direction under Mauricio Pochettino. As the season draws to a close, Boehly is urging Pochettino to stay.Boehly Any decisions requiring signatures from Eghbali and Feliciano would be “just common sense,” a source said.
Stewart and Winstanley have already compiled an 18-page report detailing why a managerial change is needed ahead of the pre-season review overseen by Eghbali.Boehly was not present for the meeting, which left Pochettino by mutual agreement.
After the 5-0 defeat to Arsenal in April.Chelsea want immediate change.Insiders say Clearlake is just arguing for patience.Clearlake is full of new manager Enzo Maresca and there are changes at the back.I don’t want any more interruptions. Boehly’s camp lamented being portrayed as a bunch of clueless Americans.
It said the decision should be between selling Boehly or a deal that would strip him of his power and step down as chairman.Boehly, on the other hand, can’t believe the idea was even proposed.
“Chris Jurasek has stepped down as chief executive, frustrated by the lack of progress on the new stadium, which could mean refurbishing Stamford Bridge or moving to Earl’s Court,” an insider said. The new management committee has Jason Gannon leading the stadium plans.A decision is needed sooner rather than later, but this is the story that trumps everything else at Chelsea.They have a promising young squad and Saturday night’s win over Bournemouth may have boosted morale, but the reality is they won’t be focused on the pitch for long.
