Fabio Cannavaro has backed Thomas Tuchel and his Chelsea side to retain the Champions League crown this term.
Thomas Tuchel has been a revelation at Chelsea since taking over from Frank Lampard midway through the last season. After a relatively slow start where the German manager steadied a sinking ship, the tactician went all the way to win the Champions League, beating Manchester City in the final.
The Blues have recruited smartly under the German and continue to challenge on all fronts. They might have lost their status as Premier League leaders this past weekend, but are very much in contention for the title. The Blues are one of the favourites to win the league crown this term and dominate Europe.
Chelsea have had a steady start to this season’s Champions League and are well on course to finish as group winners when they meet Zenit on the final matchday this week. And Tuchel will be hoping to emulate the few teams in history who have retained the European crown.
Real Madrid won the Champions League in three consecutive seasons under the management of Zinedine Zidane. Could Chelsea become the next team to win back-to-back European crowns? Only time will tell, although Tuchel has the quality and depth in his squad to achieve the feat.
Former World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro believes Chelsea have what it takes to win the Champions League again this season. Speaking to Walfoot, as relayed by Sport Witness, he backed Tuchel & co. to achieve the feat this season and claimed that Premier League clubs, Chelsea included, are better prepared to do so.
Cannavaro said, “I think Chelsea can do it. They have a great manager in Thomas Tuchel, and a very good team. Real Madrid did it three years in a row, which was a historical accomplishment for the club and Zidane, but to win the Champions League, you need a lot of things to go your way. For me, English clubs are better prepared.”
Will Chelsea be able to do it? It’s a question that could be partially answered later this week when the draw for the next round will be announced. However, Tuchel has the squad depth to challenge on all fronts, including the Premier League and Champions League.
