Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have expressed confidence that Chelsea will secure a spot in the Champions League by the end of the 2026/27 season, attributing this certainty to the club's absence from European competitions.

Recent Struggles and Management Changes

Last season, Chelsea finished in a disappointing 10th place, which resulted in no qualification for the Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League. The club underwent a surprising managerial change when Enzo Maresca was dismissed on New Year’s Day. Liam Rosenior was appointed to take over but was let go just 107 days later in April after failing to meet expectations.

New Beginnings and Strategic Advantages

Despite the challenges faced last season, Chelsea quickly appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager in May. Carragher believes that the lack of European football could be beneficial for the team's performance this season. He noted, “If you’ve still got good players, which they have, and you’re training to get yourselves ready, to be at it every weekend,” it can lead to better results. He emphasized that top teams often struggle when juggling midweek European fixtures, which could give Chelsea an edge.

Carragher also highlighted that Chelsea's previous success, including their last Premier League title, came during a season when they were not involved in European competitions. The Blues finished 10th in the 2015/16 season, leading to a managerial change that ultimately set the stage for their resurgence under Antonio Conte.

Shifting Recruitment Strategies

While the absence from UEFA competitions is a setback in terms of revenue, Chelsea has made strategic moves in the transfer market this summer. The club has focused on acquiring experienced players to complement their young squad, which has been the youngest in the league over the past two seasons. This shift in recruitment strategy could help address the inconsistency that has plagued the team in recent years, according to Neville.

As the new season approaches, both Carragher and Neville are optimistic about Chelsea's chances of returning to the Champions League, believing that the combination of a fresh managerial approach and a more balanced squad could lead to significant improvements.