Rooney: Chelsea Could Be Premier League Threat Without European Football
Former striker says reduced schedule and new manager Xabi Alonso could boost Chelsea’s title hopes next season.
- Chelsea miss out on European qualification after finishing 10th.
- Rooney believes fewer fixtures could benefit the team.
- Xabi Alonso set to take over as new manager.
Chelsea’s lack of European football next season could make them a stronger Premier League contender, according to former England captain Wayne Rooney.
The Blues ended a disappointing campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Sunderland, missing out on qualification for European competition after finishing 10th in the table. The result also saw Sunderland claim the final Europa League spot.
It was a frustrating season for Chelsea, who won only three Premier League matches from February onwards and went through managerial changes, including the departures of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
Despite beginning the season as Chelsea FC Club World Cup winners, their form collapsed in the league run-in, leaving them outside the European places and behind Brighton in the standings.
Rooney believes the absence of midweek European fixtures could work in Chelsea’s favour, giving them more time to focus on domestic performance.
“I think they’ll be a real threat next season,” Rooney said on his podcast. “Obviously having one game a week, and then with Alonso coming in, I think it’s exciting for the Premier League because I think he’s got the potential to be a top manager.”
The club is set to begin a new era under incoming manager Xabi Alonso, who will take charge in July.
Chelsea have previously bounced back strongly from similar setbacks, famously winning the Premier League title in the 2016-17 season after finishing 10th the year before.
