Rooney backs Alonso to revive Chelsea after poor season

Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney believes Chelsea FC could become a major force in the Premier League next season despite missing out on European football.

Chelsea finished a disappointing campaign in 10th place after a 2-1 defeat to Sunderland AFC on the final day of the season, failing to qualify for both the Europa League and Conference League.

The club also endured managerial changes during the season, parting ways with Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior before appointing Xabi Alonso as head coach.

Speaking on the Wayne Rooney Podcast on Monday, Rooney said Chelsea’s absence from Europe could work in Alonso’s favour.

Rooney said: “I think they’ll be a real threat next season.

“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.”

Chelsea began the campaign as Club World Cup winners but struggled for consistency in domestic and European competitions.

The Blues reached the Champions League round of 16 before suffering an 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Rooney also pointed to the advantage Chelsea could gain from having more time on the training pitch compared to clubs involved in Europe.

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He said: “Pre-season this year for all the managers at all the top clubs will be disrupted, obviously, because of the World Cup.

“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].”

Chelsea previously recovered from a 10th-place finish to win the Premier League title in the 2016-17 season, and Rooney believes a similar turnaround could happen again under Alonso.

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