With the summer firmly upon us, it’s important to take a look at next season and see where Chelsea will be. Obviously their success will hinge on several factors, predominantly what they do this summer, versus what the other Premier League teams do as well. Chelsea must add the right players to remain successful both domestically and internationally. However, should they do so, it’ll mean another Premier League title for the Blues.
When evaluating a good title defense, it’s important to take a look at history and see what good methods we should hold on to. Following their Premier League title in Mourinho’s first season as manager in the 2004-2005 campaign, Chelsea added several players to improve upon their title winning side. This would prove to be imperative to their title defense, and the Blues were triumphant the following campaign as well.
However, following their 2009-2010 Premier League title, Chelsea did little to rebuild the following season, with Ramires being the only large addition of the summer. Chelsea failed to improve substantially and this left them without a second consecutive title. Therefore, if they are to learn from history, they must re-tool this offseason, in order to be successful in their title defense.
With that being said, let’s take a look at five reasons why Chelsea will be Premier League Champions next May.
Jose Mourinho’s Tactics
Jose Mourinho has the Premier League somewhat figured out and he demonstrated his expansive knowledge last season during the business end of the campaign. While Chelsea were dominant in the beginning of the season, blowing teams away with their sheer attacking quality, the Blues reverted to typical Mourinho tactics in the second half of the season, and they were all the better for doing so. The Portuguese manager knows how to get points from important matches, and isn’t afraid to play conservatively to do so. That separates him from the other managers in the Premier League. And one would be foolish to bet against his team when it comes to carrying out his orders. Therefore, Jose Mourinho has and his tactical prowess is the first reason why Chelsea will be atop the Premier League next May.
Chelsea’s Dominance of the Transfer Window
As I mentioned earlier, it’s almost impossible to put up a title defense without adding reinforcements over the summer. Chelsea learned that lesson in the 2010-2011 campaign, and they won’t make the same mistake this summer. Mourinho has already mentioned adding several players to his squad this summer. They must be the right additions, but the Portuguese manager already knows that. Jose and his staff will make the right moves this summer, with at least one marquee signing coming in. This will help propel Chelsea’s momentum and allow them to defend their title both honorably and successfully.
Nemanja Matic
In my opinion, while Eden Hazard might be the best player in the Premier League, none are more valuable to a squad than Nemanja Matic. The Serbian midfielder’s ability to shield Chelsea’s back line is unreplicated by any defensive midfielder in the world. Standing at 6’ 4” with a left foot, Matic is a purely the perfect player to be Jose Mourinho’s rock in the midfield. His unwavering presence, coupled with his ability to win tackles makes him invaluable to his team. Matic has the ability to make the best players disappear for an entire match, a talent not many players boast. Therefore, when Chelsea repeat their title next season, they will have Matic to thank.
The Transfer Situation for Other Clubs
Chelsea’s title defense will be helped by their title challengers inability to add enough players to their squad. Arsenal always seem to come up a player or two short in the window, with several positions needing attention, regardless of if they sign Cech. Manchester City, while impressive, are all aging, and they need several fresh players. While they do have the cash to do so, thanks to FFP and availability reasons, I doubt they will be able to add enough talent in order to firmly challenge Chelsea. Finally, Manchester United are in my opinion closest to catching Chelsea, pending they make the right moves, such as adding Séamus Coleman – which I have no idea why they haven’t inquired yet. Should they move for several talented players in the transfer window, they could be contenders. However, if they lose De Gea, they could be back to square one, especially recognizing their need to add more talented strikers around Wayne Rooney. That’s ignoring their shaky back line. Chelsea are much more equipped with depth to win the title next season, and not many teams have the talent to stand in their way.
Squad Depth
Chelsea are by far the deepest team in the Premier League. And that is before they make additions this summer. Although Mourinho failed to rotate his team too often last season, Chelsea still have options. Loic Remy is quite possibly the best backup striker in the Premier League, and Falcao might come good as well. Chelsea have Juan Cuadrado, who’s brimming of talent, and if he can find his feet in England, the Colombian will be outstanding for the Blues. Furthermore, players like Ramires, Loftus Cheek, and Nathan Ake coming off the bench make them tough to beat. Defensively, the likes of Filipe Luis and Kurt Zouma as backups is unheard of from any other club. When Jose Mourinho turns around to look at his bench in the 70th minute, he will like what he sees. His options off the bench will be one of the keys to Chelsea’s title run next season.
Overall, there are several reasons for Chelsea to win the title. I think that with all things considered, there is no team that is capable of denying the Blues for a second straight season. Mourinho will collect his fourth Premier League title next season, and his team will continue their English dominance. The real question is: Will their domestic success translate to Europe?
