At Stamford Bridge, a new cup competition has begun, and the team is eager to play in it. Could they adorn their already shining cabinet with the Conference League?
Chelsea has only ever participated in and lost the UEFA Europa Conference League because they have never been registered to play in the UEFA club tournament at the lowest level.
But when they play Gent of the Belgian Pro League this week, everything changes. West Ham, who is also from London, and previous manager Jose Mourinho won this trophy when he led AS Roma to victory in the debut season.
Four Fronts of Warfare
A team that hasn’t won a trophy since the FIFA Club World Cup in 2022 is unlikely to pass up any awards, and Enzo Maresca is a manager who, unlike many of his predecessors at Stamford Bridge, is hoping to get his feet under him and be around for a while.
Chelsea’s decision to omit last season’s top scorer, Cole Palmer, from the squad for the group stages could indeed raise eyebrows. It might suggest a more relaxed approach to the competition, potentially prioritizing other goals or managing player fitness. This strategy could indicate confidence in their overall squad depth or a focus on integrating new signings. However, it also carries risks, as leaving out key players can affect team cohesion and performance. Balancing squad rotation while maintaining competitiveness is always a tricky line to walk in tournaments like these.
With Chelsea competing on four fronts this season, it’s understandable that they might manage player minutes carefully. Cole Palmer’s focus on the Premier League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup suggests that the club is prioritizing domestic success while keeping an eye on the long-term goal of Champions League qualification.
While any silverware from the domestic cups would be a welcome bonus, the main objective should indeed be to secure a top-four finish. Achieving that would not only restore Chelsea’s status among Europe’s elite but also provide a solid foundation for future campaigns. Balancing the squad’s depth with the demands of multiple competitions will be key to their success.
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