Stan Collymore has shared his thoughts on Chelsea’s prospects for the 2025/26 season, as the team prepares for the final match of the ongoing 2024/25 campaign against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final. With the club’s busy schedule having already earned them £86 million in the tournament, the players are facing a quick turnaround before the start of the Premier League season in mid-August.
Collymore doubts Chelsea’s ability to compete for the Premier League title next season, citing their challenging run in the Club World Cup. Despite some pundits suggesting they could be contenders, Collymore believes that clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City have a significant advantage over Chelsea. He emphasized the difficulties Chelsea will encounter during the demanding winter months, predicting that player rotation will be essential for maintaining squad freshness.
Chelsea secured their Champions League qualification by finishing fourth in the Premier League, but they are far behind the dominant Liverpool team. Former Chelsea captain John Terry has also expressed skepticism about whether the club’s young squad is ready for a league title challenge, acknowledging their thrilling victory in the Conference League but noting that success over an entire season requires more consistency.
Despite these challenges, there are promising signs for Chelsea under head coach Enzo Maresca. He has successfully met his initial objective by achieving Champions League qualification and winning the Conference League. The focus now shifts to the goals for the next season, as fans remain optimistic about the potential of the young squad gaining further experience. Should Chelsea manage an upset against PSG on Sunday, expectations for the upcoming season could surge.
This upcoming season could pave the way for a strengthened Chelsea, providing their young players with the opportunity to develop and mature, potentially leading to a more competitive stance in future Premier League campaigns.