It wasn't too long ago that it all looked rather bleak for Graham Potter.
Chelsea had splashed the cash in January, breaking the Premier League's record transfer fee and handing out seven and eight-year deals to some of Europe's hottest prospects.
Yet that expenditure did not have the desired immediate effect, with the Blues managing just one victory between the start of January and the end of February.
March, however, has heralded the shoots of recovery, and while Chelsea remain 10th in the top flight ahead of hosting relegation-threatened Everton on Saturday, they have won their last three games, which included progressing past Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
The pressure seems to have eased on Potter, and Chelsea will now focus on securing a European place for next season – which, given their extraordinary spend, will be the least Todd Boehly and Co. will expect.
But just how are each of Chelsea's mid-season additions getting on?
Benoit Badiashile (Grade: B)
The first through the door at Stamford Bridge in January, Badiashile arrived from Monaco in a deal reportedly in the region of €38million (£33.7m).
A powerful, left-sided centre-back, Badiashile was a regular for Monaco and at 21, still has a long career ahead of him. He has made seven league appearances since his switch to England, starting six of those games, though he was not included in the Blues' Champions League squad.
Joao Felix (Grade: B)
Joao Felix's relationship with Diego Simeone had reportedly becoming strained over the first half of the season, and Atletico Madrid's record signing has been given a chance to rediscover his spark in England.
Whether or not this loan deal will be made permanent remains to be seen, but the Portugal forward has certainly shown flashes of his immense talent, even if that has not always turned into goals. A promising debut was marred by a red card after a reckless challenge on Fulham's Kenny Tete, which saw Joao Felix banned for three matches, but he has made eight appearances since he returned, starting each one.
Only Kai Havertz has registered more expected goals (xG) than Joao Felix's 3.83 in Chelsea's squad in that time, and the data shows the former Benfica prodigy has been unfortunate with his finishing, scoring once from an expected goals on target (xGOT) figure of 2.95. Essentially, based on the quality of his attempts, he would be anticipated to be on three goals already, while he has also hit the woodwork on three occasions.
David Datro Fofana (Grade: C)
For all Chelsea's business, they did not sign an out-and-out proven striker in the January window. Fofana is arguably the best fit for the position of the players they brought in, but the 20-year-old Ivory Coast international is extremely raw.
Fofana scored 15 Eliteserien goals in 2022 for Molde, but the Premier League is a world away than Norway's top tier. He has made three appearances for the Blues, one in the FA Cup and two in the league. His only start did not go according to plan, however, as he was taken off at half-time in a 1-0 home loss to lowly Southampton. Fofana played two key passes and also managed two shots, but he has not played a senior game since that defeat on February 18.
Andrey Santos (Grade: N/A)
Another one for the future, Santos has just turned 18. He's back playing on loan for Vasco da Gama in Brazil, where he came through the ranks and made his debut at the age of 16.
Mykhaylo Mudryk (Grade: C)
Chelsea won the tussle for Ukraine international Mudryk, getting one over on league leaders Arsenal in the process. However, paying a fee that could reach £89m (€100m) means the expectations are sky-high.
An impressive cameo against Liverpool was followed up by a start against Fulham, yet the 22-year-old was subbed off at half-time having failed to have a shot, create a chance or attempt a cross.
Mudryk has been in and out of Potter's starting XI and is yet to score, though he did provide his first assist with a header back to Mateo Kovacic in a 3-1 win over Leicester City last week. Chelsea fans will have to be patient but there's a reason the winger was so highly sought after while at Shakhtar Donetsk.
Noni Madueke (Grade: C)
Just five days after Mudryk's arrival, Chelsea decided to sign another winger. Madueke had seemed set to fill the Cody Gakpo void at PSV following the Netherlands international's move to Liverpool, yet the Blues decided they needed to bolster their forward options.
Like Badiashile and Fofana, Madueke was not listed in Chelsea's Champions League squad, so he is only an option in the Premier League for now. He has made four appearances and two starts, creating five goalscoring opportunities.
Madueke has plenty of potential but it does seem he might have been better served staying at PSV for more game time.
Malo Gusto (Grade: N/A)
Like Santos, full-back Gusto is back on loan at the club he was signed from, Lyon, who Chelsea paid a reported £26m (€29.7m) towards the end of the transfer window. The 19-year-old was a regular in Ligue 1 until sustaining a thigh muscle injury in early February, and he is yet to return to action.
Enzo Fernandez (Grade: B+)
The cherry on top of Chelsea's hugely expensive cake came on deadline day, as they smashed the British transfer record to sign World Cup-winning midfielder Fernandez from Benfica for a cool £106.7m (€120m).
Fernandez was crucial to Argentina's success in Qatar but only had half a season in Europe under his belt, with the 22-year-old having only joined Benfica from River Plate last year.
He has started all eight of the matches he has been available for and has shown some excellence in possession – a sublime cross for Joao Felix against West Ham and an exquisite, chipped pass for Kai Havertz to latch onto against Leicester have both resulted in assists.
Fernandez has already attempted 264 more passes than any other Chelsea player since his debut (623) and has been involved in the most open play shot-ending sequences (24), while his 96 duels and 44 duels won are also team-highs in that time.
A goal has so far evaded Fernandez and Karim Adeyemi got the better of him too easily for Dortmund's winner in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie last month, but it's been a strong start.
Media expert calls for increased media training and branding for developing athletes
In today's fast-paced and competitive sports environment, where an athlete’s brand can be just as valuable as their on-field performance, mastering media skills has become essential for career success. Recognizing the importance of effective communication in sports, media expert Stacy-Ann Smith is calling for increased media training and branding for developing athletes, particularly in Jamaica.
Speaking at the recently launched "Malta Holistic Workshop," an initiative spearheaded by Malta in collaboration with Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), Smith, with nearly 25 years of industry expertise, emphasized the critical role media training plays in shaping an athlete’s public image and opening doors to greater opportunities.
"Any youngster serious about pursuing a path to success should be keen to show up well—on and off the field," Smith said. "Being able to handle media interviews is just as important as good sportsmanship. In an ever-shrinking world where interviews and videos can go viral at the speed of light, a well-done interview can position an athlete for huge opportunities—be they scholarships, contracts, or endorsements."
Smith pointed to several athletes who have used effective media communication to enhance their brand and public image, such as Jamaican sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles. "Whether that image is loveable—like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce—or makes them the guy everyone loves to hate—like Noah Lyles—how an athlete presents themselves creates an impression that increases visibility and often translates to bigger, more valuable contracts," she explained.
Beyond the immediate financial rewards, Smith highlighted how strong media skills can extend an athlete's career well into retirement, with many former athletes transitioning into roles as commentators, analysts, or securing lucrative endorsement deals that involve public appearances and speaking engagements.
Smith urged sports organizations and educational institutions to integrate media training into their development programmes, saying, "Athletes and sports organisations need to prioritise media training as a foundational skill. Brands that recognise the value of strong partnerships and endorsement deals should invest in media training to expand the pool of athletes they can leverage for marketing campaigns."
Owen Hill, CEO of the PFJL, echoed Smith’s call for press training in youth development programmes. "Media training equips our athletes with the tools they need to effectively communicate their stories and represent themselves and their clubs with professionalism. With the support of Malta's partnership and initiatives like the Holistic Workshop, we are equipping our footballers with essential media skills. This not only strengthens their brands but also elevates the profile of Jamaican football as a whole."
Looking to the future, Smith envisions Jamaica becoming a global hub for sports commentators and analysts. "If we are deliberate about it, Jamaica can become known not just as the 'sprint factory of the world,’ but also as a ‘global curator of sports commentators’—churning out analysts who are knowledgeable, witty, and engaging speakers that can enthrall audiences anywhere in the world."
With initiatives like the Malta Holistic Workshop, Jamaica is taking steps towards that goal, empowering young athletes with the skills they need to succeed both on and off the field.
Carsley: Only the best should be considered for England role
Lee Carsley said he understands his role as interim England head coach for the next three camps, insisting the best person should get the job on a full-time basis.
Carsley kickstarted his Three Lions tenure with a comfortable 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland last weekend, with Declan Rice and Jack Grealish on the scoresheet.
England continue their Nations League campaign on Tuesday against Finland at Wembley, an occasion they will be looking to mark with a win on Harry Kane's 100th international appearance.
Carsley could also become the first manager since Fabio Capello in 2008 to win his first two competitive games in charge.
The only managers to win their first two England games at the helm without conceding a goal are Steve McClaren (2006), Ron Greenwood (1977) and Joe Mercer (1974).
Despite his impressive start, Carsley said he was not thinking about taking on the job permanently just yet.
"I feel like we are a step closer as a team. I try not to think about it too much. The best person should get the job," Carsley said.
"I know my role for the next three camps, and I am comfortable with that."
Carsley also explained his role for the next three camps, saying his full focus remained on the team.
"I think it's quite clear I am doing the three camps," Carsley added.
"I'm really happy with that, if it changes also I'm happy with that. I'm very privileged in the position I'm in, in terms of the Under-21s. I have enjoyed it so far.
"The important thing is the team as opposed to the coaches - they should be the ones in the spotlight and getting the attention."
England's next appointment will be a crucial one, having improved their recent tournament results by reaching the final of the last two European Championships under Gareth Southgate.
Carsley's relationship with the Under-21 team was a pivotal factor in replacing Southgate, having led the side to Euro Under-21 Championship glory last year.
However, the likes of Graham Potter, Eddie Howe and Pep Guardiola have all been linked with the permanent role as the Three Lions look to end their wait for an international honour.
And after England supporters got a glimpse of Carsley's style of play at the Aviva Stadium last weekend, the former Republic of Ireland midfielder is aiming to continue that same attacking tempo on his Wembley debut.
"It's important that we are exciting to watch," Carsley said.
"I think when fans come and watch England play at home, they expect attacking football, they expect chances to be created and to play with a tempo."
Kane at the peak of his powers as he takes inspiration from Ronaldo's 900th goal
Harry Kane feels at his peak ahead of his landmark England appearance on Tuesday, taking inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo's latest goal-scoring achievement.
Kane is set to make his 100th England appearance at Wembley in their Nations League fixture with Finland, becoming only the 10th player to reach that milestone.
His landmark appearance will see him awarded with a golden cap ahead of kick-off, the first player to receive one since Wayne Rooney did so in November 2014.
The Bayern Munich striker has made 86 starts for the Three Lions and has 83 goal involvements (66 goals - an England record - and 17 assists) to his name.
He averages a goal every 117 minutes, having 3.5 shots and 1.6 shots on target per 90, creating an average of 1.1 chances per 90.
Since his international debut in 2015, Kane has won 61 of his matches for England, giving him a 61.6% win ratio while also captaining the side to two major tournament finals.
At 31-years-old, many believe his time on the international stage may come to an end soon, but Kane has taken inspiration from Ronaldo, who, at 39-years-old, netted his 900th career goal against Croatia last week.
"I feel in really good shape, both physically and mentally, at a peak in my career," Kane said.
"Watching other players, [Cristiano] Ronaldo scoring his 901st goal, seeing him compete at 39 years old inspires me to play for as long as possible.
"I love this game, I love representing England - more than anything and I don’t want it to end any time soon.
"For me, personally, now it’s about continuing to improve and being consistent both in an England shirt and at club level.
"I’m hungry for more. I’m determined to keep pushing the boundaries."
81 of Kane's 99 caps came under former England head coach Gareth Southgate, with the others coming under Roy Hodgson, Sam Allardyce, and most recently, Lee Carsley.
Carsley got his reign as the Three Lions' interim boss with an impressive 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland on Saturday, with goals coming from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.
Kane managed the most shots (four) and touches in the opposition box (nine) at the Aviva Stadium and is enjoying life under the 50-year-old.
"It has been really good. A new energy into the place especially after the disappointing end to the summer," Kane said.
"It has been great to work with the boss so far. He's brought his ideas, how he wants us to play. I think the lads have enjoyed it.
"We've got a good mixture of youth and experience in the team. You're seeing the excited faces of some of the new players."
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