Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has tipped Chelsea to emerge as a “real threat” in the Premier League next season, despite the club failing to secure European football.
Chelsea finished a disappointing 10th in the league after a 2-1 loss to Sunderland on the final day of the campaign, which saw them miss out on qualification for both the Europa League and the UEFA Conference League.
The West London club also went through managerial instability during the season, parting ways with Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior before eventually appointing Xabi Alonso as head coach.
Speaking on the Wayne Rooney Podcast on Monday, Rooney suggested that Chelsea’s absence from European competitions could work in their favour.
“I think they’ll be a real threat next season.
“Obviously having one game a week, and then with Alonso coming in, I think it’s exciting for the Premier League because I think he’s got the potential to be a top manager.
“It gives him a period of time to feel his way into the club and get his ideas across. So I think it will benefit the football club,” he said.
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Chelsea started the season as Club World Cup winners but endured an inconsistent run in both domestic and European competitions.
They reached the Champions League round of 16, where they were eliminated 8-2 on aggregate by Paris Saint-Germain.
Rooney also highlighted that the reduced fixture load could allow Alonso more time on the training ground compared to teams competing in Europe.
“Pre-season this year for all the managers at all the top clubs will be disrupted, obviously, because of the World Cup.
“I think that’s where it will benefit Alonso, because he’ll have that time once the season starts to get his ideas across.
“The teams in Europe might struggle a little bit. It could be an extra three days a week [on the training pitch],” he added.
Chelsea previously responded to a 10th-place finish by winning the Premier League title in the 2016–17 season, and Rooney believes a similar turnaround could still be possible under Alonso.