Wayne Rooney: Chelsea’s European absence will make their big Premier League threat
ChelseaFailure to qualify for Europe will help them become a “real threat” in the Premier League next season, says former official Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney.
Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Sunderland brought the curtain down on a disappointing season for the Blues, who sacked Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
Although they have just started the campaign after being crowned Club World Cup champions in July, the result on Wearside allowed the Black Cats to clinch last place in the Europa League at Chelsea’s expense.
Chelsea, which started the day in eighth place, ahead of Sunderland, fell to 10th place, one point and two points behind Brighton, which qualified for the Conference League.
It was the third time since 1995–96 that Chelsea finished 10th or lower in a top-flight season.
However, since they were in exactly the same position at the end of the previous season, they managed to recover and win the championship in 2016-17.
Rooney believes Chelsea will become a major force when Xabi Alonso takes over as new manager in July.
“I think they will be a real threat next season,” Rooney said on the Wayne Rooney Podcast.
“Obviously one game a week and then Alonso coming in, I think that’s exciting for the Premier League because I think he has the potential to be a top manager.
“This gives him the opportunity to find his way into the club and get his ideas across. So I think it will benefit the football club.”
Rooney’s former club Manchester United had no European commitments this season and finished the campaign strongly, finishing third in the Premier League.
Chelsea managed to get through the league stage of the Champions League this term and then suffered their heaviest defeat in a two-legged European tie, losing 8-2 on aggregate to Paris St-Germain in the last 16.
Rooney stressed that a less congested fixture list would only benefit the Blues, who would have the advantage of spending more time together on the grass.
“This year’s pre-season will be interrupted by the World Cup for managers at all top-flight clubs,” Rooney said. he added.
“I think this is where it will benefit Alonso, because when the season starts he will have enough time to put his ideas across. “Teams in Europe may struggle a little bit. Maybe three extra days a week. [on the training pitch]”
