“It didn’t even look like a football dressing room, more like rugby” - Aubameyang says Chelsea stars laughed about ‘mess’ at Stamford Bridge

Former Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has opened up on his experience as part of the large squad at the club during their disappointing 2022-23 season. The Blues had a historically large squad during that season, with reports emerging of players having to change outside of the dressing room due to their overwhelming numbers.

Todd Boehly and the Clearlake Group took over the running of Chelsea in 2022 and quickly set out to sign some established names in the summer. The likes of Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Aubameyang were signed for Thomas Tuchel, who had won the FIFA Club World Cup in the previous season.

Of the trio, only Sterling lasted more than one season and Aubameyang has spoken to The Athletic about how the squad was a 'mess'.

“They did a mess. It didn’t even look like a football dressing room, it was more like rugby. Hakim Ziyech, Denis Zakaria, Kalidou Koulibaly, Romelu Lukaku… It was good I wasn’t alone. We were laughing every day, so it was OK.”

Chelsea invested heavily that summer, signing a number of young talents such as Cesare Casadei, Gabriel Slonina, and Carney Chukwuemeka. They spent more money in January on the likes of Joao Felix, Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Noni Madueke.

The Blues finished the season in 12th place, picking up only 44 points from their 38-game league campaign. They also had four different managers, with Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor, and Frank Lampard taking charge of one game each, at least.

Aubameyang managed to score just three goals in 21 appearances for the Blues before leaving for Olympique Marseille as a free agent at the end of the season. The 35-year-old Gabonese striker is now on the books of Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Qadsiah, where he has scored seven goals this season.

Chelsea step up interest in academy graduate - Reports

Chelsea have shown an interest in signing Crystal Palace captain and former academy star Marc Guehi on a permanent basis this month, as per the BBC. The Blues are in need of cover at centre-back following injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile and are prepared to go into the market.

Guehi left Stamford Bridge for Crystal Palace in 2021 in a reported £18 million deal but has developed into one of the best centre-backs in the league. The 24-year-old was the subject of interest from Newcastle United in the summer, with Palace rejecting bids of up to £65 million for him.

Blues boss Enzo Maresca is said to be keen on adding a new centre-back and is a huge fan of Guehi's, having watched him impress this season. The England international is in the final 18 months of his contract and the Eagles may be tempted to sell him this month.