Todd Boehly is beginning to face criticism from sections of the Chelsea fanbase – online and at Stamford Bridge – as the Blues’ winless streak continues
Todd Boehly spotted exchanging words with angry Chelsea fans after Brighton loss (Image: Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Todd Boehly was pictured exchanging words with several Chelsea supporters at Stamford Bridge following defeat to Brighton. A spectacular long-range effort from Julio Enciso snatched three points for the Seagulls in west London, extending Frank Lampard’s winless start as caretaker manager to three games.
The Blues showed promise in the early stages of the clash, and it looked as if a corner had been turned when Conor Gallagher broke the deadlock inside the opening quarter of an hour. But, the west Londoners’ bright start didn’t last long after Danny Welbeck netted an equaliser moments before half-time.
Enciso then beat Kepa Arrizabalaga from distance, claiming three crucial points with Roberto De Zerbi eager to secure a Champions League qualification place. Upon the full-time whistle, the remaining Chelsea supporters still inside the ground made their feelings clear, and some even took it upon themselves to have a word with Boehly.
The American billionaire was situated in his box in the West Stand, which is sandwiched between a lower and upper section that sits close to home supporters. A few Blues fans from the upper tier were seen leaning over and gesturing towards Boehly.
As the co-owner looked up with his arms spread, one supporter pointed to his ear and another looked to be shrugging his shoulders. Speaking to the press after the game, Frank Lampard admitted that he shares the fans’ disappointment.
Chelsea fans moan at Todd Boehly during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Brighton
Chelsea fans moan at Todd Boehly during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Brighton
“I’m disappointed on every level,” the caretaker boss conceded. “The better team won. They could have won by more. They played like a team. They’ve been together a long time.
“Not good enough. All the basic parts of football – to fight, to run – we were short on. Not a question of commitment as such. We have a big game on Tuesday [against Real Madrid]. There’s no point being too down but we have to understand why today went the way it did.
“Some players physically couldn’t be able to play Wednesday, Saturday, Tuesday. Some of those changes were forced and some were opportunities. In a modern day squad you have to be ready to come in. As a team we were short today. Where can we get better quickly? For me it’s the football basics.
“In football a story can change very quickly. Real Madrid in the Champions League is the pinnacle of football. There’s things I’ll say to the players that I’ll keep in house. Chelsea fans will be coming on Tuesday to see a team give everything to turn it round and that’s what we have to do.”
Source: football.london
