The start of Premier League 2021-22 is only 4 days away, as the footballing world gets ready for yet another year of thrilling football. Here we will take a look at the UCL winners Chelsea who had a remarkable turnaround last season.
After an inconsistent start under Lampard last season, the board appointed Thomas Tuchel after sacking the Englishmen. Under Tuchel, Chelsea turned their season around and went on to win the Champions League. Coming off a brilliant season, the Blues will start the upcoming season as one of the title favourites.
Having just signed Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea has only added to the already existing quality in the squad. Whether they carry on the form from last season is there to be seen.
How Chelsea fared in 20-21?
When the season kicked off, Lampard’s Chelsea was billed as title favourites having splashed money on big names such as Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and, Timo Werner. However, the new signings couldn’t get going as Chelsea went on a downward spiral. Lampard lacked ideas to make the most out of the talented squad and was eventually sacked.
The arrival of Tuchel brought a fresh breath of air to Chelsea with his newfound defensive solidity. Tuchel turned the squad into a 3-4-3 formation which resulted in a rock-solid defence. Once the squad got going, goals came through as Havertz and Werner excelled under the German.
Tuchel’s revival got Chelsea a top 4 finish and more importantly a Champions League final, which they eventually won against Manchester City. Their first Champions League trophy since 2012.
Transfer Activity
Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea owner is known to splash the cash. So, when Chelsea was linked with 175 million priced Erling Haaland, it was not a surprise. However, the deal did not go through but Chelsea did get a striker. Romelu Lukaku who left Chelsea earlier in his career is set to sign again after a deal was agreed with Inter Milan.
Having pursued a striker since the start of the transfer window, Chelsea has finally got their man. The lack of ruthlessness displayed last year was a sign of worry for Chelsea. However with Lukaku, the problem will be solve.
Chelsea has also been strongly linked with Sevilla defender Jules Kounde and it is to be seen whether the deal goes through. Another name linked with the Londoners is Monaco’s Tchouameni but it is unlikely that the deal will go through. While in the departures, Tammy Abraham is set to exit with reported interest from Aston Villa and Atalanta.
What to expect in the upcoming season?
After a brilliant season last time around, nothing less than a title charge will be expected from Chelsea. In the Champions League as well, they will start as one of the favourites. Chelsea’s defensive shape was brilliant under Tuchel in a 3-4-3 formation; however, he may opt for a more aggressive 4-2-3-1 this season.
While goals will not be a problem with Lukaku coming in, more consistency will be expected from Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, and Hakim Ziyech. In the defence, Thiago Silva will play an important role yet again while Chilwell and James will be expected to be useful on both sides of the pitch.
Prediction for 2021-22
Chelsea will start the season as title favourites along with Manchester City owing to the squad that they have and Tuchel making full use out of it. Anything less than a top 2 finish will be a disappointment for Chelsea in the 2021-22 season. FA Cup or Carabao Cup is a real possibility and winning one of those should lead to a good season.
In the Champions League, having been drawn into Pot 1 as defending champions, Chelsea can have a relatively easy draw. Chelsea is expected to again reach the latter stages of the competition, however, the competition this time is much more difficult.
A good Champions league run, potentially a title, and a FA Cup victory will result in a successful 2021-22 season for Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea.
