And so it came to pass that after failing to qualify for the Champions League, Chelsea were cast out into the virtual European wilderness that is the Europa League.
A wilderness where you don’t encounter a team you recognise until the knockout stages are reached.
On Thursday, Chelsea begin their campaign to win the trophy they have won previously, when they beat Benfica back in 2013, against PAOK Salonika, a Greek club.
We’ve been warned that Chelsea will face a hostile crowd, but isn’t that something that we faced when, a few years ago, we ventured to Turkey to play Galatasaray, with its ‘Welcome to Hell’ banners, and won 5-0!
Here at Vital Chelsea, I’m not sure if you share my apathy towards the competition or not.
Perhaps the response to the poll below,
will give me an indication.
However, despite my apathy, with myself believing there are bigger fish in the sea this season, we will cover the fixture.
But, before that happens, please feel free to vote in our poll.
Up the Chels!