With the memory of one of the most dominant Premier League title seasons in the history of England’s top soccer division still fresh in their minds, the fans of the Chelsea football club have already turned their attention to the future and what is next for their team. Jose Mourinho’s men lifted the Capital One Cup in addition to their Premier League title but they still have achievements to chase, including the FA Cup and a better finish in the Champions League. We all know that sports have become a “what have you done for me lately” affair, so here is a look at what fans of the Blues have to look forward to next season.
More Pressure At The Top
Some Premier League fans went as far as to call this past season a boring one as the Blues led from start to finish and had the title locked up heading in to the final couple of months of the season. Chelsea fans can expect more of a challenge next year as the other top clubs spend this summer reloading looking to compete for a league title. Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City should all be in a better position to challenge for a Premier League title next season, so Chelsea fans can look forward to a much tougher battle for top spot.
Cuadradro’s Emergence
Chelsea’s championship campaign was sparked by a busy offseason in which they added Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas among others and while those two moves really worked out for them, they certainly expected more from one Juan Cuadrado. The Colombian international was signed in January with the expectation that he would help take their midfield to another level but he struggled with consistency before his season was cut short by injury. With a full year to adjust to life in England and develop some chemistry with his teammates, there will certainly be more expected of Cuadrado. If he can live up to expectations, it would provide a huge boost to all of Chelsea’s championship pursuits next season.
Youth Movement
Last season will be remembered for the championship trophies that the Blues were able to lock up but another positive aspect to take from this past year was the youth movement we saw with the club. Young players like Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Dominic Solanke, Izzy Brown and Andreas Christensen all make their senior debuts and contributed in different ways. The combination of star talent and the emergence of several young players has put Chelsea in a unique situation – especially with Loftus-Cheek, who is expected to play a much bigger role with the first team. The way the Blues brought along the young guns and eased them in means that they won’t experience much of a changing of the guards. It’ll be a smooth transition.
Now Or Never For Oscar
The young Brazilian has teased Chelsea fans with his incredible talent but while he has played at a high level in the early months of the season, he seems to disappear as the stage grows. Whether it’s fatigue or nagging injuries, there is no doubt that for Mourinho, it has to be now or never for his young star. Oscar will need to step up with his best season yet or he could end up playing his final season at Stamford Bridge – or watching much of it from the bench.
A Stronger Champions League Push
Mourinho isn’t the type to rest on what he has accomplished this season and with the deepest and most complete club in England, the time is now for them to challenge for a Champions League title. The Blues dominated in the Premier League this year and while they will look to repeat at home, they will also make a stronger push in both the Champions League and FA Cup play as they try to add to their trophy case next season.
