Pep Guardiola expects Chelsea to be again difficult for the title within the close to future.
Chelsea final gained the Premier League throughout Guardiola’s first season at Manchester Metropolis in 2016-17.
Since then it’s Metropolis who’ve dominated the competitors, taking the crown in 5 of the previous six campaigns.
Chelsea did edge out Metropolis within the 2021 Champions League closing however there was loads of turbulence on the London membership since, they usually presently sit tenth within the desk.
Guardiola, who takes his facet to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, stated: “Chelsea stay one of many extra vital groups in England.
“It’s true that within the Premier League they weren’t near successful it in these final seasons however they’re nonetheless one of many strongest groups, there’s no doubts about that.
“I see that within the final video games they’re alive, they’ve good spirit, they’re aggressive, they’ve sample. The standard is there.
“It’s one of many hardest video games that we have now in the course of the season. Eventually Chelsea will likely be there preventing for the titles, and I assume prior to later.”
Chelsea have had a rocky begin to the marketing campaign underneath new supervisor Mauricio Pochettino however Guardiola has little question they may come on robust.
He stated: “It’s regular. They’re getting higher. Each supervisor wants his time – it’s a brand new membership, new gamers however they’ll be a high contender as a result of the standard in all departments is there.”
Two of Chelsea’s higher performers this season have been the previous Metropolis pair of Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling.
Metropolis academy product Palmer, 21, switched golf equipment in August having grown pissed off at a scarcity of alternatives on the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola stated: “The rationale why was that he wished sport time. Now he has it, so congratulations.
“He’s a man who got here from the academy and if he’s having success it’s good for him and we want him one of the best. I’m actually happy for him.”
Sterling gained 4 Premier League titles and the FA Cup at Metropolis and Guardiola recognises him as a dangerman this weekend.
Guardiola stated: “He’s enjoying actually good, he’s again in his finest moments, finest efficiency, (from) what I’ve seen recently.
“He at all times creates unbelievable risks for the opponents.”
