This has been a disappointing campaign by Chelsea’s incredibly high standards, especially as they were forced to part ways with manager Jose Mourinho back in December. Since Guus Hiddink arrived at the helm, Chelsea have responded well and have climbed up the Premier League table.
Although silverware isn’t an option, Chelsea have shown enough quality to suggest that they could challenge for trophies next season under a new, permanent manager. With reports suggesting Antonio Conte is set to arrive at Stamford Bridge after the European Championship this summer, Chelsea fans will be excited at the prospect of glory in the 2016-17 campaign.
Whether Chelsea get Conte or not, they will improve next season and it’s easy to picture them going all the way in a few competitions, including the Capital One Cup. Since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003, Chelsea have won the FA Cup or Capital One Cup a combined total of seven times. This is an impressive feat considering how competitive the English game has been throughout the period.
In fact, Chelsea were crowned Capital One Cup champions last season as they earned a 2-0 victory over Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur. And although this competition may rank low down on Chelsea’s long list of priorities, it’s certainly not the ‘bogus’ cup tournament that it once was. As the English game becomes competitive, the FA Cup and Capital One Cup are becoming more important.
However, Chelsea fans will remain fully focused on this season for now as they still have a chance of snatching a top-six finish. Chelsea have been phenomenal under Hiddink and, with the likes of Manchester United, Southampton and Stoke City faltering, they could still achieve an unlikely Europa League spot.
Chelsea haven’t been the only ‘big side’ to struggle this season. Manchester City have also failed to inspire confidence – despite winning this particular competition. However, whilst Manuel Pellegrini has struggled to motivate City’s main men, Hiddink has transformed both Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas. Indeed, both players will play key roles as Chelsea look to beat City in the competition next season. In the meantime, it will be worthwhile for punters to keep an eye on the latest League Cup betting news for next season to track the developments.
In fact, Costa has been prolific under Hiddink and the signs are ominous for the future. The Spain striker has netted eight times in recent Premier League games and has assisted four more for his team-mates. If Costa can maintain this form throughout the remainder of the campaign, he will be full of confidence heading into next season and Chelsea could even challenge for more than just the Capital One Cup.
Next season, a trophy of some kind must be Chelsea’s number one priority. While some fans will be hoping for the Premier League crown, a Capital One Cup victory would more than suffice after a barren campaign. Chelsea have an exceptional record at the new Wembley Stadium and if they reach the final, they’ll be quietly confident of lifting the League Cup for the fourth time in the Roman Abramovich era.
Image: “2010_0515_06_Wembley” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by peatc