Claude Makelele will be happy to see both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain doing well right now.
Makelele had spells at both clubs as a player, enjoying plenty of success at the former.
At Chelsea, the ex-midfielder was able to win two Premier League titles, while he also finished as a runner-up in the 2008 Champions League final.
Last season, PSG were able to go all the way in Europe’s elite competition as Chelsea won a different European trophy, the Conference League.
Reece James #24, Malo Gusto #27 and Trevoh Chalobah #23 of Chelsea FC interact during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final
Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Claude Makelele thinks Chelsea and PSG’s projects are very similar
Makelele has put Chelsea’s and PSG’s successes down to their projects, with both clubs now signing young players and developing them instead of buying ready-made superstars.
The former France international also thinks Chelsea are capable of fighting for the Premier League title this season because of their project.
Speaking to football.london, Makelele said: “The quality is there, Chelsea have a young team full of talent. They’re starting to demonstrate that they can compete in the Premier League for many years.
“I think Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have anticipated this kind of project gives you a platform and it will be a success. I think they will fight for the title this season because they look focused.
“We will see about the Champions League, which is different but they need to be competitive like Arsenal were last year.”
Despite it receiving plenty of criticism, Makelele is also a fan of Chelsea’s loan system, using Trevoh Chalobah as proof of its success.
The central defender spent the first half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace but was recalled by Chelsea in January.
Since then, he has gone on to become an important player for Enzo Maresca. This term, he has started all but one game in the Premier League and has even chipped in with a couple of goals.
Chelsea legend Claude Makelele at Champions League event
Photo by Piermarco Tacca – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Claude Makelele backs Joao Pedro to deliver Chelsea trophies
The last trophy that Chelsea won was the Club World Cup, beating PSG 3-0 in the final. Joao Pedro scored one of his side’s goals on the day, and Makelele is confident that he can bring more silverware to Stamford Bridge.
“Chelsea is another level for Pedro, the Brazil national team has so many attacking options, it’s not easy but he’s scoring goals and he’s happy,” Makelele said.
“Happiness is the most important thing, if Chelsea deliver the ball, he can demonstrate that he has what it takes to help them win trophies.”
Pedro had been on a goal drought, but he was able to end it last weekend with his winner against Tottenham Hotspur.
Like PSG, Pedro and Chelsea now need to aim to win the biggest honours in football again. With the squad they have, it may very well be possible in the near future.