Chelsea’s return to the Champions League has been secured with a hard-fought fourth-place finish, capped by a 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League season. Their young team also celebrated silverware with a dramatic 4-1 comeback victory over Real Betis in the Conference League final, showcasing the potential of Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Despite some ups and downs during the campaign, particularly a mid-season dip that saw Chelsea fall out of title contention, former Blues midfielder Claude Makelele is confident the foundations have been set for future success under Maresca. The Italian manager has stuck with a consistent system and group of players, fostering stability amid significant squad changes.
Makelele highlights the importance of adding experienced players in the upcoming transfer window to complement the youngest starting XI in Premier League history. While the squad boasts impressive talent, including promising academy graduates, he stresses that newcomers must embody Chelsea’s mentality and history to elevate the team’s competitiveness on Europe’s biggest stage.
“The most important thing is stability,” Makelele explains. “Chelsea already have a good squad and a manager with a clear vision. To challenge for the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League, they need players ready to take the next step and add experience.”
The Conference League provided Maresca the chance to rest key players and integrate youth, but next season’s Champions League will demand a squad with greater depth and wisdom to navigate the grueling schedule.
Beyond Chelsea, Makelele also shared insights on Paris Saint-Germain’s upcoming Champions League final clash against Inter Milan. He noted how PSG, who lost the final in 2020, have learned valuable lessons about squad building and teamwork. Both finalists, he believes, are motivated by past defeats and the hunger to claim the title.
Makelele’s reflections came ahead of his appearance at bet365’s Big Ticket Giveaway, celebrating their partnership with the UEFA Champions League. As Chelsea prepare to strengthen their squad this summer, optimism surrounds the club’s prospects for a strong campaign next season in Europe’s elite competition.