Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has backed Chelsea to become a serious Premier League contender next season, citing their lack of European football as a potential advantage.
Chelsea ended the 2025–26 campaign in mid-table after an inconsistent run, finishing with 14 wins, 10 draws and 14 defeats, scoring 58 goals and conceding 52 to accumulate 52 points from 38 matches.
Despite their underwhelming finish, Rooney believes the club could benefit significantly from a reduced fixture load as they prepare for a new era under incoming head coach Xabi Alonso.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Podcast, he said the lighter schedule would give Alonso the time needed to implement his philosophy and stabilise the squad.
“I think they’ll be a real threat next season,” Rooney said. “Having one game a week, and with Alonso coming in, it’s exciting because he has the potential to be a top manager.”
He added that the situation would allow the Spaniard to gradually build understanding within the squad without the pressure of juggling European commitments.
“It gives him time to feel his way into the club and get his ideas across,” he noted, suggesting that this could be key to Chelsea’s improvement.
Alonso, expected to bring a new tactical direction to Stamford Bridge, is tasked with reshaping the team into a more consistent and competitive side after a turbulent campaign that saw multiple managerial changes.
Chelsea will now focus solely on domestic competitions next season, a scenario Rooney believes could help accelerate their rebuild and return to title contention.
