Manager watch – Jose Mourinho
The Portuguese manager has already been up to his mind games after strategically shaking the hands of all the triumphant Arsenal players at Wembley Stadium, perhaps to rile Arsene Wenger who then opted to ignore his rival.
Despite his critics, however, few can deny that Mourinho is one of the most outstanding managers the sport has seen.
Granted, his ‘park the bus’ style of play deployed at times isn’t pretty.
But Mourinho is man centred upon results, and there’s little more important in football than avoiding defeat: attractive football is not a necessity.
He is no doubt the man for the job at Stamford Bridge, but after winning the double last term, Blues chiefs and supporters will only be expecting more.
Realistic target
Chelsea are the champions of England, and there are few reasons as to why this status won’t remain intact next May.
Yes, Manchester United have strengthened considerably, Manchester City have the league’s best striker in Sergio Aguero and have a new threat of Raheem Sterling. And yes, Arsenal look a team finally ready to threaten for the title.
However, what these sides do not have is Mourinho at the helm or PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard.
Success in England is a minimum, Chelsea’s next step must be to show the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus that they should not be undervalued in the Champions League.
Predicted finish
1st.
The 2015-16 season could see a battle between London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea for the title, but the experience of Mourinho and his men could prove the difference.
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