Following a phenomenal end to the previous campaign, many believe that Chelsea stand a genuine chance of challenging for the Premier League title in 2021/22.
• Manager: Thomas Tuchel
• Stadium: Stamford Bridge
• Last Season: 4th
The Blues secured fourth place on the final day of last season before going on to beat Manchester City 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League final.
Our Three Lions. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/GibcUSZHL2— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 3, 2021
Our Three Lions. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/GibcUSZHL2
Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard in the Stamford Bridge hot seat in January and completely changed the club’s fortunes.
After a below-star start to the campaign, Lampard was sacked and replaced by Tuchel. Chelsea only lost three of their 19 league games under the former PSG manager.
With a record of W19-D10-L9, the Blues finished the season two point behind third-place Liverpool and one point ahead of fifth-place Leicester City.
A week later, Chelsea secured the Champions League title at the expense of Man City, with Kai Havertz netting the winning goal.
• Marcus Bettinelli – Fulham (Free)
As you can see, Chelsea have only made one off-season signing so far, bringing in ex-Fulham goalkeeper on a free transfer.
Although Chelsea have been heavily linked with Erling Haaland and Romelu Lukaku, they have only managed to make one acquisition this summer.
• Fikayo Tomori – AC Milan (£26.28m)
• Victor Moses – Spartak Moscow (£4.50m)
• Olivier Giroud – AC Milan (£0.90m)
• Marco van Ginkel – PSV Eindhoven (Free)
• Danilo Pantic – Partizan Belgrade (Free)
• Izzy Brown – Preston North End (Free)
• Billy Gilmour – Norwich City (Loan)
• Willy Caballero – Released
• Jamal Blackman – Released
On the flip side, the Blues have parted ways with nine players. Fikayo Tomori and Olivier Giroud have both joined AC Milan, with Victor Moses leaving for Spartak Moscow.
Will Caballero and Jamal Blackman have been released by the club, while highly-rated midfielder Billy Gilmour has joined Norwich on a season-long loan.
N’Golo Kante – For all their attacking firepower, Kante is arguably Chelsea’s most important player. In fact, it often feels like there are two Kantes on the pitch!
We did it! A new season with @ChelseaFC and a new trophy for our great fans. Thanks to all for the support.#cfc 🔵🔵 pic.twitter.com/YP17Bgln7O— N'Golo Kanté (@nglkante) May 30, 2019
We did it! A new season with @ChelseaFC and a new trophy for our great fans. Thanks to all for the support.#cfc 🔵🔵 pic.twitter.com/YP17Bgln7O
The all-action midfielder covers every blade of grass, making vital interceptions and key tackles. When Kante isn’t in the team, the Blues invariably lack bite in the centre of the park.
Having clinched the Champions League trophy last term, Chelsea and Tuchel already know what it feels like to win silverware together.
Of course, Man City are expected to defend their crown, while Liverpool and Man Utd will be confident of challenging for the title, too.
But if the Blues can pick up where they left off last season, they could mount a serious Premier League title charge in 2021/22.