Wayne Rooney believes Chelsea could become “a real threat” in the Premier League next season despite missing out on European qualification following a disappointing domestic campaign.
The Blues ended the season in 10th place after a 2-1 defeat at Sunderland on the final day, missing out on a Europa League spot as Brighton and the Black Cats finished above them.
It marked only the third time since the 1995-96 season that Chelsea have finished 10th or lower in the top flight.
Chelsea endured a turbulent campaign which saw Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior both leave the club before Xabi Alonso was appointed as the new manager ahead of next season.
Rooney backs Alonso
Former Manchester United and England striker Rooney believes Chelsea’s absence from Europe could work in their favour as Alonso prepares for his first season at Stamford Bridge.
“I think they’ll be a real threat next season,” Rooney said on the Wayne Rooney Podcast.
“Obviously having one game a week, and then with Alonso coming in, I think it’s exciting for the Premier League because I think he’s got the potential to be a top manager.
“It gives him a period of time to feel his way into the club and get his ideas across. So I think it will benefit the football club.”
Rooney pointed to Manchester United’s own season as evidence of how fewer fixtures can benefit teams competing at the top end of the table.
United had no European commitments this season and finished strongly to secure third place in the Premier League.
Chelsea, meanwhile, reached the Champions League last 16 before suffering a heavy 8-2 aggregate defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
Rooney believes the reduced schedule next season could hand Alonso valuable time on the training ground, particularly with several clubs expected to face disrupted preparations because of the World Cup.
“Pre-season this year for all the managers at all the top clubs will be disrupted, obviously, because of the World Cup,” Rooney added.
“I think that’s where it will benefit Alonso, because he’ll have that time once the season starts to get his ideas across.
“The teams in Europe might struggle a little bit. It could be an extra three days a week on the training pitch.”
