Chelsea have built a reputation for thriving when expectations are low, and another opportunity to upset the odds awaits them at Wembley. Their recent success against Paris Saint-Germain in last summer’s Club World Cup proved how dangerous they can be when underestimated, with Enzo Maresca’s tactical setup dismantling the European champions before half-time in a stunning 3-0 display.

Now, ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City, there is a sense that Chelsea could again produce something unexpected. Big occasions have often brought out the best in the London side, although this time Maresca will not be the man tasked with finding a way past Pep Guardiola.

A Season That Lost Direction

Much of Chelsea’s turbulence can be traced back to the dramatic collapse that followed Maresca’s departure on New Year’s Day. Internally, many at Stamford Bridge believed the warning signs had appeared earlier, particularly after his controversial remarks about enduring his “worst 48 hours” at the club following December’s victory over Everton.

There is also a deeper narrative surrounding Saturday’s final. Should Guardiola decide to leave City at the end of the campaign, Maresca is viewed as one of the leading candidates to take over from his former mentor. That possibility adds another layer of intrigue to an already significant encounter.

Chelsea never planned to change managers midway through the season. The club’s primary target had always been Champions League qualification, and nobody anticipated that under-21 coach Calum McFarlane would be guiding the senior team into an FA Cup final at Wembley by May.

Instead, the campaign spiralled rapidly. Liam Rosenior’s spell in charge ended only 106 days into a six-and-a-half-year contract, while poor league form and unrest inside the dressing room once again raised doubts about the direction of the BlueCo ownership project.

Inconsistency Continues to Haunt Chelsea

McFarlane’s second stint as interim boss has not brought stability. Chelsea continue to frustrate supporters with wildly inconsistent performances, capable of delivering inspired displays one week before collapsing the next.

Their FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds showcased determination and intensity, with Enzo Fernández scoring the decisive goal. Yet any momentum quickly disappeared when Chelsea suffered a damaging 3-1 home defeat against a heavily rotated Nottingham Forest side, a result that severely harmed their hopes of qualifying for Europe through league position.

That inconsistency was visible again at Anfield. Only days after the Forest setback, Chelsea produced one of their better performances of the season in a 1-1 draw against Liverpool, often looking the stronger footballing side.

Such unpredictability is precisely why dismissing Chelsea’s chances against City would be risky. Even though Guardiola’s side comfortably beat them at Stamford Bridge last month, Chelsea have repeatedly shown they can elevate their level against elite opposition.

Wembley Offers a Chance at Redemption

Chelsea’s recent record in finals at Wembley has been miserable, with six consecutive defeats at the national stadium. Winning the FA Cup for the first time since 2018 would not erase the failures of this campaign, but it would at least restore a degree of pride.

McFarlane could become an unlikely figure of importance if he manages to end that barren run. However, lifting the trophy would also raise uncomfortable questions about the players themselves.

Several members of the squad reportedly remained loyal to Maresca, while others struggled to connect with Rosenior. Regardless of managerial changes, the team’s alarming drop in focus and intensity since January has been impossible to ignore.

Roméo Lavia admitted this week that criticism surrounding the squad has been difficult to hear given the daily work being done behind the scenes. Still, Chelsea understand that rebuilding the mentality inside the dressing room has become essential.

Alonso Emerges as Leading Candidate

Attention is already turning toward the next permanent manager, with Xabi Alonso emerging as the standout option.

The former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid coach is believed to have strong support among Chelsea’s players, helped by his decorated playing career and growing reputation as one of Europe’s brightest managerial talents. Discussions are reportedly progressing positively.

Chelsea are also admirers of Andoni Iraola, who is attracting interest from Crystal Palace, but Alonso has been on the club’s radar since 2023.

Securing Alonso would provide a significant boost for a project that still possesses considerable potential despite recent chaos. The club remain convinced they are closer to competing at the highest level than critics suggest.

Important players such as Reece James and Moisés Caicedo have committed their futures to the club, Levi Colwill has returned from injury, and Cole Palmer continues to establish himself among the Premier League’s standout performers.

Chelsea also recognise the need for greater balance within the squad. Their collection of young talent requires experienced figures around them, and recruitment plans this summer are expected to reflect the wishes of the incoming manager.

Belief Remains Inside Stamford Bridge

Lavia insisted this week that belief inside the club has not disappeared despite months of disappointment.

According to the Belgian midfielder, anyone who wants success at Chelsea must remain fully committed to the project. He stressed that confidence within the squad remains intact and expressed faith that the club can eventually return to the standards supporters once expected.

For years under Roman Abramovich, Chelsea were defined by relentless winning. Domestic cups alone were rarely considered sufficient. That ruthless mentality, however, feels distant from the current version of the club.

Victory over Manchester City at Wembley would undoubtedly spark celebrations and offer a memorable end to a painful season. Yet Chelsea also know that one dramatic afternoon cannot hide the broader issues that have damaged the past six months.

The challenge now is ensuring any success becomes the beginning of genuine progress rather than another short-lived moment in an increasingly uncertain era at Stamford Bridge.