Force situation
Winning the Champions League in the final round of the Premier League season, along with a surprise championship at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, has completely changed Chelsea's face - from financial situation to ambition in the 2025-2026 season.
Although they have not received much attention at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 - partly because the road to the knockout round is quite favorable - Chelsea still made the whole of Europe look back with a convincing 3-0 victory over Paris St-Germain in the final match.
That result has helped them once again be considered a potential candidate for the Premier League title in the 2025-2026 season.
However, that is only true if Chelsea are ready - both mentally, physically and tactically for the new season. When the Blues entered the FIFA Club World Cup final on July 13, most other Premier League teams had started the pre-season.
Since then, while Liverpool, Arsenal and other competitors have been training hard, Chelsea's players have been given a three-week break and will only return this Monday. They have two friendly matches scheduled two days apart, before facing Crystal Palace in the opening round of the Premier League.
However, this is perhaps Chelsea's most exciting period since winning the Champions League in 2021. Except for the goalkeeper and possibly the center back, coach Enzo Maresca can be confident that he has two quality players in each position on the pitch.
And the depth of the Blues' squad could be further enhanced, with names like Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho being closely linked.
Of course, it will take some leaves to cut the salary fund and ensure financial balance. Last month, Chelsea were fined €31 million by UEFA for violating financial regulations. However, no one can deny that they are possessing one of the thickest and highest quality squads in the tournament.
One of Maresca's biggest challenges this season will be to maintain harmony and stability both on and off the pitch. If last season, the Europa Conference League allowed Chelsea to rotate and keep the pillar, then next season's Champions League will not be that easy.
Coach
Maresca has been criticised by Chelsea fans since April. He seemed to blame the negative atmosphere at Stamford Bridge for the home team's 2-2 draw with Ipswich. This is a result that seems to have destroyed their hope of entering the top 5.
However, a series of 5 wins in the last 6 matches of the season helped Chelsea finish in fourth place. This success not only saved a turbulent season but perhaps also saved Maresca's seat.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup title - especially his excellent performance in the final, where Maresca neutralized PSG's attacking trio and created space for Cole Palmer to shine - has completely changed the situation.
The Blues will now be welcomed in a very different atmosphere at Stamford Bridge as they enter the opening match of the new season.
Notable contract
Estevao has been sought after by "big guys" such as PSG, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. This player is considered Brazil's most promising talent since Vinicius Junior.
The impressive performance at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, including a stunning finish against Palmeiras in the quarter-finals, proved the 18-year-old's potential.
Estevao, with a slim figure and good ability to play both wings as well as the number 10 midfielder position, will aim to take up a starting position at The Blues.
Expected star
Romeo Lavia's professional quality is unquestionable. Chelsea are a better team against Lavia, more flexible and more resistant to pressure.
Maresca even moved Moises Caicedo to right-back to support Lavia alongside Enzo Fernandez at the end of last season. However, there are still concerns about the Belgian's fitness.
After playing just 32 minutes in the 2023-24 season in the first year, another injury campaign followed with Lavia. And he started just 11 Premier League games last season.
Another year out could be a problem for Lavia, especially with Chelsea having Caicedo, Fernandez, Dario Essugo, Andrey Santos and Reece James competing for two defensive midfield positions.
