Wayne Rooney Backs Chelsea To Bounce Back Under Xabi Alonso
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Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes Chelsea could emerge as serious Premier League contenders next season despite missing out on European football.
Chelsea wrapped up a disappointing campaign in 10th place after a 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on the final day, a result that left the club without qualification for either the Europa League or Conference League.
The season also brought major upheaval at Stamford Bridge. The Blues parted company with Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior before turning to Xabi Alonso as their new head coach.
Speaking on the Wayne Rooney Podcast on Monday, Rooney said Chelsea’s lack of European football could become an advantage in Alonso’s first season in charge.
“I think they’ll be a real threat next season,” Rooney said.
“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.”
Chelsea started the campaign brightly after winning the Club World Cup but failed to maintain momentum in domestic and European competitions.
Their Champions League run ended in humiliating fashion after an 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16.
Rooney also believes Chelsea could benefit from having extra time on the training pitch while rivals juggle packed schedules due to European commitments and the World Cup.
“Pre-season this year for all the managers at all the top clubs will be disrupted, obviously, because of the World Cup,” Rooney noted.
“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].”
Chelsea previously recovered from a 10th-place finish to win the Premier League title in the 2016-17 season, and Rooney believes a similar turnaround is possible under Alonso.
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