Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes Chelsea could emerge as serious Premier League contenders next season despite failing to qualify for European competitions.
Chelsea endured a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, finishing 10th in the league after a 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on the final day of the season. The result meant the Blues missed out on both Europa League and Conference League qualification.
The London club also experienced managerial instability during the season, parting ways with Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior before appointing former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso as their new head coach.
Speaking on the Wayne Rooney Podcast on Monday, Rooney said Chelsea’s absence from European football could give the club an important advantage next season.
“I think they’ll be a real threat next season,” Rooney said.
“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 season on a high as Club World Cup winners but struggled to maintain consistency in both domestic and European competitions.
The Blues reached the Champions League round of 16 before suffering a heavy 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Read Also:
Ødegaard Leads Norway’s 26-Man Squad for FIFA World Cup
Rooney also noted that clubs involved in European competitions next season could face additional pressure due to fixture congestion and the impact of the upcoming World Cup on pre-season preparations.
“Pre-season this year for all the managers at all the top clubs will be disrupted, obviously, because of the World Cup,” he said.
“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 bounced back from a 10th-place finish to win the Premier League title during the 2016/17 season, and Rooney believes the club could be capable of another strong recovery under Alonso’s leadership.
