With the start of the Premier League looming, Chelsea appear favourites to reclaim the title. Just like they were 12 months ago…
This time last year, it was believed that the return of Jose Mourinho would inspire the Blues to win their first league title since the 2009/2010 season.
That prediction turned out to be foley as Chelsea were undone by the more dogged teams in the league, managing only a third place finish.
This time however, there is more optimism in the air for Chelsea fans. While the football community has sat back and enjoyed the spectacle of the World Cup, Jose Mourinho has quietly spent the summer revamping his squad with the acquisitions of Diego Costa, Didier Drogba, Filipe Luís and Cesc Fàbregas, whilst offloading stragglers Ashley Cole, David Luiz and Frank Lampard in the process.
This time around, it would appear that Mourinho has turned his little horse into a thoroughbred marathon winner.
However, judging by the squads pre-season efforts, Chelsea could once again struggle to live up to expectations.
Their 3-0 loss to Werder Bremen at the Wesser Stadium on 3 August, along with lacklustre displays against AFC Wimbledon, RZ Pellets and NK Olimpija Ljubljana will surely have sounded alarm bells for Mourinho.
There have been some positives to Chelsea’s pre-season roadshow, Fàbregas and Costa have shown glimpses of brilliance whilst the Blues academy has finally produced quality graduates, most notably Jeremie Boga, Isaiah Brown and Lewis Baker who have all put in solid and assured performances.
But with the weight of expectation on the Portuguese and his talented young squad to deliver this season, the apparent lack of both fitness and sharpness will be a major cause for concern.
With just under a week to go before Chelsea travel to Burnley for their opening game of the campaign, Chelsea fans will be left sweating on the team’s readiness to take the Premier League by storm.
Blog by Chelsky Boy Luke Twitter: @ChelskyBoyLuke