chelsea fc
By any stretch of the imagination the 2025 – 2026 season was a disappointing one for Chelsea.
Hopes that they could build on the success of winning the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup were seen dissipated as Enzo Maresca walked away from the club, whilst his successor Liam Rosenior never had the experience and gravitas for such a big job.
A tenth placed finish means no European football next season.
But that could be a blessing in disguise. Without the extra games new manager Xabi Alonso can afford to concentrate on the Premier League and the domestic cups. Players will be fitter and the risk of long-term injuries diminished because they will have enough time to recover between games.
Manchester United provide the blueprint. They played just 40 games in all this season, having been knocked out of both the FA and League Cups at the first time of asking. That is compared to the Champions Arsenal, who will playing their 63rd game in the Champions League final this weekend.
The result was a third place finish, a return to the Champions League and a rejuvenated club under Michael Carrick.
Chelsea fans may be feeling blue right now, but there are reasons to be cheerful.