Steve McManaman Makes Worrying Prediction for Chelsea Fans
Former Liverpool star Steve McManaman does not believe that Manchester United or Chelsea will finish in the top four this season, instead favouring Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham.
While predicting what will happen next season, McManaman told The Mirror: “Manchester City were so dominant so you wonder whether they can carry on going. They are certainly the favourites to lift the Premier League this season.
“All Liverpool fans hope they can put some pressure onto City. They had a great year last season without achieving anything. Their style of football, the way they played and the fact they have done their business early in the summer and brought in some really good players is promising.”
On Arsenal, he added: “Unai Emery has come in and brought in four and five, so it will be very interesting how they do. He did his business early.
“Tottenham may still do some business, they had a lot of players involved in the latter stages of the World Cup, so they are in limbo for a little time.
“Then there is Chelsea, who have brought in a new manager when they have. People are talking about players leaving Chelsea but they are also in a state of limbo. For loads of fans of plenty of teams, it is going to be a nervy few weeks of the transfer window.”
Chelsea set to rebuild after frustrating season
Chelsea endured a frustrating season last term. After sailing to the league title during the 2016/17 season, the Blues struggled to recapture their form last season and eventually finished fifth. Although the club did win the FA Cup to end the season on a high, their inconsistency could not save former manager Antonio Conte his job.
The club have now appointed Maurizio Sarri as their new manager. The Italian arrived at Stamford Bridge with an impressive reputation after transforming Napoli from a modest club into one of the most attractive teams in Italy.
He does, however, face a difficult task to rebuild the Blues, especially considering that the club’s most important players –namely Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and NGolo Kante – have all been linked with moves away from the club.
Realistically, it could take a great manager up to two seasons to rebuild Chelsea as a result of the drastic changes that have taken place during the last year. However, knowing the club’s hierarchy, they will not be satisfied if Sarri does not deliver straight away.
Manchester City widely expected to be dominant once again
Manchester City, meanwhile, are expected to once again be dominant this season. The Citizens have had a quiet summer so far but have added former Leicester City star Riyadh Mahrez to their side.
Liverpool are also expected to challenge for league honours this season. Klopp’s side have added Alisson to their side to solve their goalkeeping woes. In addition to this, they also have Fabinho.
The Reds were the only team that really caused problems for City last season. They defeated Pep Guardiola’s men three times in four encounters – twice during their Champions League quarter-final tie and once in the league.
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