Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea will not have to contend with European football during the 2026/27 campaign, and this has traditionally been a huge advantage for ‘big six’ Premier League clubs.
Part of the reason Blues supporters were surprised they were able to get Xabi Alonso as their new manager was because they finished 10th last season, and missed out on Europe.
Missing out on the revenue that comes with playing in the Champions League is hurtful to the club, however their performances on the pitch are likely to significantly improve as a result of playing once a week.
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History is on Chelsea’s side for 2026/27 season without Europe
The best example of this in Premier League history actually came from Chelsea, when they won the title under Antonio Conte in 2016/17.
The Blues picked up 43 more points in the league than they managed the season before when they were contending with Champions League football.
Chelsea v Stoke City - Premier League
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
This was the highest point swing in the last 11 examples of big six sides who do not have European football, but of those there were still 10 sides who improved on their previous totals.
Manchester United are the most recent example of this happening. They finished third last season, and benefitted greatly from having far less matches to deal with than their rivals.
Chelsea’s efforts under Mauricio Pochettino also saw drastic improvements. That Blues side gained 19 points and qualified for the Conference League, which they would go on to win 12 months later.
Chelsea players needed a season out of Europe
The Chelsea squad had played a ridiculous amount of minutes over the past few years. Many have represented their country at international tournaments such as the World Cup and European Championship.
Their post-season exploits were added to by competing in the 2025 Club World Cup, and while winning it was a fantastic moment, they were hurt in the long run when it came to fatigue.
Plenty are tipping a return to the Champions League for Chelsea this season, and the evidence of recent seasons suggests they are well-placed to fly back up the Premier League table.