Chelsea may benefit from missing Europe next season, says Rooney

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Ex-England and Man United striker Wayne Rooney believes Chelsea could become a “real threat” in the Premier League next season despite missing out on European football.

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Chelsea ended a disappointing campaign in 10th place after a 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on the final day of the season, missing out on qualification for both the Europa League and Conference League.

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The Blues also parted ways with managers Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior during a turbulent season before appointing Xabi Alonso as their new head coach.

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Speaking on the Wayne Rooney Podcast on Monday, Rooney said Chelsea’s absence from Europe could work in their favour next season.

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“I think they’ll be a real threat next season.

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“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.

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“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,” he said.

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Chelsea began the campaign as Club World Cup winners but struggled for consistency domestically and in Europe.

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They reached the Champions League last 16 before suffering an 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain

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Rooney also pointed to the advantage of having more time on the training pitch compared to clubs involved in European competitions.

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“Pre-season this year for all the managers at all the top clubs will be disrupted, obviously, because of the World Cup.

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“I think that’s where it will benefit Alonso, because he’ll have that time once the season starts to get his ideas across.

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“The teams in Europe might struggle a little bit. It could be an extra three days a week [on the training pitch],” he added.

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Chelsea previously bounced back from a 10th-place finish to win the Premier League title in the 2016-17 season, and Rooney believes a similar recovery could be possible under Alonso.

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