Paul Merson shares why the Conference League could be the ‘perfect’ competition for Chelsea
Chelsea’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League have finally ran out, although they are still in the hunt for Europa League and Conference League qualification.
The Blues need a result against Sunderland on Sunday, and then will have to wait and see how the likes of Brentford, Brighton and Newcastle get on in their own games.
There is a debate as to whether any form of European football could be seen as a distraction for Xabi Alonso in his first season in charge of the club.
Conference League qualification would be ‘perfect’ for Chelsea says Paul Merson
However, with it comes a strong opportunity to win another trophy, and get the Spaniard’s reign off to the best possible start.
Paul Merson has told SportsKeeda that he believes Conference League qualification would be the best thing for the club, allowing Alonso the chance to use the young members of the squad to his advantage.
He said: “I think Chelsea playing the Conference League next season is a good thing for their young players. The homegrown players can get a chance to impress in that competition.
“I know how many people say it’s not a great tournament, but if you look at it from a perspective of giving chance to the youth, it’s perfect in my opinion.”
An eighth place finish would be enough to see Chelsea playing in the Conference League next season, whereas defeat would see Sunderland overtake them and end their chances of playing in Europe.
Conference League was a great help to Enzo Maresca
Chelsea already have positive memories of the Conference League from their dominant winning campaign in the 2024/25 season.
Enzo Maresca had the chance to hand some of his key players a complete rest during the early stages. Cole Palmer and Wesley Fofana were not even named in the squad for the group stage.
As plenty of the Blues squad desperately look for some form, this could be the best platform for them to play themselves into regular starting thinking.
It can be expected the likes of Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap and Andrey Santos would be handed plenty of opportunities in Europe, providing they are all still at the club next season.
from Chelsea FC Latest News & Club Updates | The Chelsea Chronicle https://ift.tt/NbPS6Yo
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