Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Opens Up About Disastrous Chelsea 2022-2023 Season: A "Mess" of a Squad

Former Chelsea striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, has shared his candid thoughts on the tumultuous 2022-2023 season at Stamford Bridge, admitting that the Blues' large squad was a "mess." The 33-year-old, who joined Chelsea in the summer of 2022, gave a revealing interview to The Athletic, providing insights into the chaotic atmosphere that defined a disappointing campaign for the club.

Chelsea’s 2022-2023 season was marred by inconsistency, managerial changes, and a large squad that many felt was difficult to manage. Following the club’s takeover by Todd Boehly and the Clearlake Group, Chelsea embarked on an ambitious spending spree, signing the likes of Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Aubameyang. However, despite these high-profile signings, the Blues finished a dismal 12th in the Premier League, with 44 points, under four different managers: Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor, and Frank Lampard.

Aubameyang did not mince words when describing his time at Chelsea during that chaotic season. He recalled the difficulties of being part of such a large squad, where players like himself, Hakim Ziyech, Denis Zakaria, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Romelu Lukaku found solace in their shared frustrations, often laughing to cope with the situation.

"They did a mess. It didn’t even look like a football dressing room, it was more like rugby,” Aubameyang said. His remarks hint at the disarray that affected the team, with reports emerging that players were even forced to change outside of the dressing room due to the overcrowded facilities. The lack of unity, compounded by constant managerial changes, only added to the confusion and frustration.

Aubameyang, however, added a lighter touch by noting that he was not alone in this challenging experience. "We were laughing every day, so it was OK," he said, suggesting that while the situation was far from ideal, humor and camaraderie provided a small respite.

Opinion: A Season of Lost Opportunities and Unfulfilled Potential

Looking back at Chelsea's 2022-2023 season, it’s hard to ignore the lost opportunities and unfulfilled potential. The squad was undoubtedly filled with talent, yet the sheer number of new signings, the managerial upheaval, and the lack of cohesion on the pitch led to a season of underachievement. The story of the “messy” dressing room that Aubameyang describes is a reflection of the broader issues plaguing the club at the time.

Chelsea's management and new ownership, although well-intentioned in their efforts to rebuild the team, failed to create an environment of stability and unity. The constant changes in leadership only served to exacerbate the problem, leaving players uncertain of their roles and the team lacking the consistency needed to succeed. In many ways, the large squad seemed more like a collection of individual talents than a cohesive team with a shared vision.

Aubameyang’s comments also shed light on the mental toll that such a situation can take on players. Despite their struggles, the camaraderie he shared with fellow teammates like Ziyech, Koulibaly, and Lukaku shows the importance of having supportive colleagues in difficult times. However, the real question remains: Could Chelsea’s fortunes have been different if the club had focused on building a more balanced squad with better leadership and unity?

Moving Forward: A New Era for Chelsea

As Chelsea now enters a new era under manager Mauricio Pochettino, the hope is that lessons have been learned from the disastrous 2022-2023 season. The club has been in the process of restructuring, bringing in a more refined strategy for player recruitment and squad management. With a more cohesive plan in place, the focus must shift to creating an environment where both new and established players can thrive together.

Aubameyang’s candid remarks serve as a reminder of the challenges Chelsea faced last season, but they also offer a hopeful sign: even in difficult times, the spirit of camaraderie can help players endure. As Chelsea looks to rebuild and restore its former glory, the focus must be on unity and stability both on and off the pitch. Here's hoping the lessons of the past season pave the way for a brighter future at Stamford Bridge.