The father of Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen has taken aim at the Blues, citing numerous moves that “revolve around money” instead of football and bemoaning the team’s decline in success since Todd Boehly’s takeover in 2022.
Maatsen struggled to get a look-in at Stamford Bridge and spent the second part of this season on loan at Borussia Dortmund. He was one of several Dortmund players who stood out in Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first-leg victory over Paris Saint-Germain. While his parent club struggles for a top half domestic finish, he may wind up playing in the final later this month.
According to his father, Edward Maatsen, the 22-year-old doesn’t seem to be too interested in going back to Chelsea. Priority one is Dortmund, but there are “more options” as well.
Our goal is to remain in [Dortmund]. The clubs will have to battle against other. Since Chelsea’s ownership changed, things have not been going well, and Ian is developing well here,” Maatsen Sr. told the Dutch newspaper Voetbal International.
Money is another major factor at that club, and occasionally it seems to take precedence over the goals of the organization. Dortmund has proven to be a solid start, but we have more possibilities than Chelsea. And observe which guys are from that area.[Erling] Haaland and Jude Bellingham.”
Maatsen, who came to Chelsea’s academy from PSV Eindhoven at the age of sixteen, has been on loan at Charlton Athletic, Coventry City, and Burnley. During his time at Burnley, he helped the team win promotion back to the Premier League the previous season. Despite having just made 16 appearances, he made his Chelsea debut in 2019.
