Roman Abramovich is known to be one of the most demanding owners in the Premier League, where success is the only criteria for a manager.

That’s not necessarily the case on Football Manager 2019, however, so here's everything you have coming up in your Stamford Bridge future...

The board’s expectations

Under Antonio Conte, the Blues fell short of the top four by five-points and your task, in terms of domestic success, is just to put that right and qualify for the Champions League, leaving no need to go out and dominate the Premier League like Manchester City were able to last year.

Nevertheless, the Pensioners do expect some degree of success, outside reaching the top tier of European football, and you are tasked with reaching the final of both the Europa League and FA Cup.

The transfer war chest

Chelsea have been flashy spenders in the past, but you’ll have to make a few sales in order to repeat those days.

At first, all you have to play with is £49million and a £400,000 wage allocation, but luckily there are loads of players who could be sold.

Three players to buy

Lautaro Martinez

The Blues seriously lack depth when it comes to strikers, with Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata the only contenders for a first-team position. Michy Batshuayi plying his trade out on loan doesn’t help, so you should look to Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez as a new face to bring in.

The Serie A striker is still only 20-years-old, so can lead your line for years to come, and would join with very strong finishing, technique, determination and anticipation.

Jack Butland

It’s astonishing that no one picked Stoke City’s shot-stopper Jack Butland up in the summer when the Potters were relegated from the Premier League.

The 25-year-old still has solid attributes with room to develop further, and would serve as a much better alternative to Willy Caballero, who is not rated highly by the club, when Kepa Arrizabalaga requires a rest.

Daniele Rugani

The centre-backs on offer at Stamford Bridge provide just about enough quality to meet the board’s demands for your inaugural season, but they are either ageing options that have flaws or young defenders that need to grow.

Given the tight transfer budget on offer at the Bridge, Daniele Rugani serves as a great upgrade on the current crop without breaking the bank. The 23-year-old is valued at £29.5m and earns £64k at Juventus, and would be a solid option to turn to in order to shape your backline.

Watch the video below to check out the hilarious things footballers get up to at Christmas...

Three players to sell

Marco van Ginkel

The heart of Chelsea is where the roster is deepest. N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Matteo Kovacic lead the way for who to start, leaving the likes of Marco van Ginkel washed aside without a purpose.

Even in a more forward role, the likes of Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek take priority over the 25-year-old, who will not challenge for a starting role or possess the serious potential to develop into a key figure for the Blues.

Danny Drinkwater

Danny Drinkwater is Chelsea’s forgotten man. He’s still valued at £8million and earning £100k-a-week, but you can get away with younger alternatives in the cup competitions before the first-team stars take charge in the later rounds.

David Luiz

The career of David Luiz has more ups and downs than a rollercoaster, with the Brazilian going from an amazing display to turning his back to a shot on goal like a snap of the fingers.

On FM19, the worst part of his game is by far his positioning - it’s a major concern that makes the £31.5m-rated defender a hazard waiting to happen. His exit would also open the door for a top draw centre-back’s arrival.

Three for the future

Callum Hudson-Odoi

Teenage winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is a gem on the wings and can become a top player for the club. You will, of course, need to hand the kid minutes on the pitch, but the Europa League and Carabao Cup are great places to develop a real talent, of which he is.

Billy Gilmour

Even though he plays in a congested position at Chelsea, Billy Gilmour needs to be given game time.

He can go on to become a top player, edging on the cusp of greatness, but cannot be expected to wonder out in the Premier League and put Eden Hazard in his place.

Mason Mount

You’ll have to wait until Mason Mount returns from his Derby County loan, but the attacking midfielder will be a key part of your side for years to come.

The Portsmouth-born ace, like Gilmour, will go on to become a top talent that borders on greatness, and will be a delight in the cup competitions as he creates chances for himself and those around him.