With elimination in the Champions League confirmed, this sorry season is over for Chelsea. There are still some games to play, but without a huge amount riding on them.
Frank Lampard should take this chance to start building for next season and beyond – even though he won’t be here. There’s just no point using players like Hakim Ziyech if they’re not going to be here next season.
Instead, he should look to players full of talent and potential who desperately need minutes on the pitch to help them settle. There is no better example than Mykhailo Mudryk.
The winger started last week’s loss to Brighton and has certainly had a few chances since his January arrival, but it’s all been in extremely tense and high pressure situations. He should now be able to play and know he’s got a bit of breathing room and a bit of license to express himself, without feeling that the result is totally paramount.
It’s the one advantage of having no meaningful games left to play – let’s hope we take advantage of it.
