This time last season Chelsea had, after a bad start to the season, accepted that there would be no Champions League football at Stamford Bridge in the 2016 / 2017 season, the first time in an age.
When Antonio Conte took over the managerial hot-seat from Guus Hiddink, the general consensus of opinion was that, after finishing tenth, success would be getting back into the Champions League via a top-four place.
Chelsea are now in the marvellous position whereby a point at Goodison Park will guarantee that the club will be returning to the competition they won on that marvellous night at the Allianz Arena in 2012.
But such has been the turnaround in fortunes with Antonio Conte at the helm, we`re aiming higher than just qualification for the Champions League, we`re looking at winning the Premier League.
At his pre-match press conference, ahead of the fixture against Everton, Conte summed up the situation when he remarked,
‘When we started this season, our first target was to play in the Champions League next season.
‘It’s an important target for the club, for the fans, for the players. But, for sure now, we stay in a position to try also to win the league.
‘Obviously, with six teams between Chelsea, Tottenham, City, Arsenal, United, Liverpool, two strong teams won’t play next season in the Champions League.”
Does anyone care to suggest which two will miss out?
Share this article
