Chelsea enters the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday under challenging circumstances, lacking a permanent manager and dealing with a frustrated fanbase. Despite the potential joy of lifting silverware, concerns about a tumultuous season and dissatisfaction with the Clearlake-Boehly ownership persist.

A recent draw at Liverpool prevented Chelsea from making history as the first team to lose seven consecutive league matches before an FA Cup final. They currently sit ninth in the Premier League, far from their pre-season goal of Champions League qualification. Winning the final could secure a spot in the Europa League, a welcome outcome for both players and club officials.

Chelsea's management is in turmoil, searching for a new head coach after the departure of Enzo Maresca and the brief tenure of Liam Rosenior. Calum McFarlane, the interim coach, leads the team into the final, marking the first Englishman in this role since Frank Lampard in 2020. However, Manchester City remains the strong favorite, having not lost to Chelsea since the 2021 Champions League final.

Amidst the excitement of the final, protests are planned by a group named Not A Project CFC, highlighting fan frustrations with the club's ownership and management decisions. Demonstrations will occur before the match and during Chelsea's final home game against Tottenham, symbolizing ongoing discontent.

Despite the challenges, players like Reece James and Moises Caicedo have committed to improving the club's culture and performance. The road ahead is uncertain, as Chelsea grapples with an identity crisis while yearning for a return to the successful era under Roman Abramovich.