Andre Villas-Boas has conceded that Chelsea will be the strongest team amongst the top four next season due to the scale of the summer investment and the new manager coming in on a permanent basis to replace interim boss Rafael Benitez.
Villas-Boas’ team have been going from strength to strength in recent times, and have been tipped to break into the top four. With the emergence of Gareth Bale as one of the most wanted players in Europe’s elite, Tottenham Hotspur have kept UEFA Champions League qualification as a minimum objective in the seasons to come.
Benitez has recently spoken about the elaborate plans Roman Abramovich has to rebuild Chelsea into a European powerhouse that not only competes for European competitions, but also domestic titles. The recent domination of the two Manchester clubs has taken the Blues by surprise, and has forced Abramovich to take expensive measures to reverse the tide back to London.
However, the owner must be delighted by the squad’s impressive Europa League trophy win against Benfica, which has led them to win two European crowns in two successive seasons. The win in the final secures Chelsea’s spot in next year’s Champions League, leaving Spurs and Arsenal to battle it out for the fourth and final spot.
As it stands, Spurs are just outside the top four by one point behind Arsenal, and are counting on the Gunners not getting maximum points in their game against Newcastle United. Spurs face Sunderland, who have received a new lease of life by Wigan Athletic’s confirmed relegation, saving the Mackems. Villas-Boas’ side simply must win on Sunday because goal difference is not on their side, in-case Spurs draw and Arsenal lose, which brings them on the same level of points.
According to the Daily Mail, Villas-Boas said, “I think Chelsea will be the team to beat next year, bearing in mind the manager we expect to come in and the strengthening of a very good squad. The reference will come from Chelsea.”
“But next year could be a good year to throw yourself into the race for the title, bearing in mind the changes at the top.”
Villas-Boas has faith in Newcastle boss Alan Pardew, and that he will put out a strong side despite already having secured Premier League status for next year.