The external expectation around Chelsea’s young squad could reach new levels after their memorable success against Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea triumphed against PSG at the weekend in the final of the Club World Cup, beating them comprehensively with a 3-0 win to send out a real statement.
Even though Blues fans are on cloud nine right now, nobody at Chelsea is getting too carried away by winning the Club World Cup because the hard work for next season will start soon after the players get three weeks on holiday.
Hopefully, Enzo Maresca’s side can take the momentum from this summer straight into the 2025/26 campaign.
Chelsea players and Joe Shields celebrating with Club World Cup trophy
Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Alan Shearer tips Chelsea to challenge for next season’s Premier League
According to Alan Shearer, Chelsea have got to be considered a Premier League title contender for next season after the way they romped to the Club World Cup trophy.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Shearer said: “I think it would take a very, very brave person to say that Chelsea would not be involved in the title hunt next year because of what they’ve achieved this season, what they’ve just achieved, who they’ve signed, and who they will sign. I think you have to say they will be involved in the title race.”
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Similarly, Steve Nicol argued Chelsea could win the Premier League if they replicate the standard they set in the Club World Cup final.
The Blues finished fourth in the league last season, 15 points behind runaway champions Liverpool. It will be interesting to see how the group now reacts to the added pressure that will come on them next term.
Alan Shearer working as a pundit for a Champions League match between Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Alan Shearer gives Enzo Maresca his flowers
During the Rest Is Football segment above, Shearer also delivered high praise for Chelsea head coach Maresca for the job he’s done during his debut season at Stamford Bridge.
Shearer said: “What a job he’s done, by the way, Maresca. Wow, incredible job he’s done. The season they’ve had—winning the trophy for the Conference League, qualifying for the Champions League, and winning this (Club World Cup)—and they have made some really, really good signings already. I don’t suspect they are finished.”
Games Wins Draws Losses Trophies
64 41 9 14 2
Enzo Maresca’s record as Chelsea manager
Now that the long 2024/25 season is finally over, Maresca should reflect on a fantastic start to life in the manager’s dugout at Chelsea. He has certainly won over the fanbase, and he’s done it with two pieces of silverware already.
Blues star Cole Palmer praised Maresca’s gameplan against PSG to help them dominate in the Club World Cup final, and it’s a reminder he’s tactically astute enough to compete against the very best coaches.