HOW CAN THE BLUES IMPROVE NEXT SEASON?

Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side have had a fantastic season. Not only did the Blues reclaim the Premier League title for the first time since 2010, and by an impressive margin ahead of nearest rivals Manchester City, but they also managed to get their hands on the League Cup back in March after beating London rivals Tottenham at Wembley. With both these trophies under their belt it might seem a little harsh to be overly critical but after crashing out of the FA Cup Fourth Round at the hands of League One side Bradford City, and only making it to the last 16 of the Champions League after an away goal defeat by Paris Saint-Germain, there is still some definite room for improvement.

Topping the Premier League table this past season and winning the title with 3 games remaining is an impressive feat and the performance of some of the younger members of the squad in particular give plenty of reason to be hopeful for the coming season. A quick look at the currently odds on Paddy Power betting suggest Mourinho and co are favourites to retain their Premier League crown but as we’ve seen throughout the 2014-15 season the Chelsea game is by no means infallible.

One of the major criticisms the club has faced this season has been centred on the style of play, and it’s not the first time Mourinho’s style has been called into question. A quick look at fellow European heavyweights Barcelona and Bayern Munich prove that there are more attractive ways to win football matches, and ‘pundits’ have questioned why, with all the flare and creativity the blues have at their disposal, are they not playing in a style that reflects this.

Chelsea’s start to the season was fast-paced, exuberant and exciting. However, as the climax drew nearer, it seemed as though the Blue’s bolted down the hatches and opted to grind out results. We from the bottom can beat a team from the top and it would be naïve of anyone to seriously question the fact that Jose doesn’t know how to win the Premier League; you take the points any way that you can.

Dominating Europe for a sustained period is the ambition, however, and that may need a different approach. In a knock-out tournament in any given year, a good team like Chelsea can win it, and Jose is the poster boy for what can be achieved in any given season in the Champions League (see Porto). To emulate the successes of the great Barcelona and Real Madrid sides, they need to work out a proven formula for being able to deal consistently, season after season, with Europe’s elite and the jury is still out on whether Mourinho will stick around long enough to be able to achieve this.

Looking ahead to the 2015-16 season, Didier Drogba has bid a final fond farewell and, despite an impressive debut campaign, rumours persist about Diego Costa and his injury struggles, as well as the fact he is allegedly unsettled so a new star striker will need to be bought it. Rumour has it that a bid is being considered to lure Higuaín to Stamford Bridge and there are other strikers that could fill the Drogba-shaped hole, like Aston Villa hitman Christian Benteke.

An all-round summer splurge of squad strengthening may also be on the cards to help the blues tighten up in other areas. Despite the strength of the defence, Chelsea do need greater depth if injuries and suspensions take their toll. With Petr Cech likely to be moving in the summer a replacement goalkeeper will also be high on the agenda.

How do you think Chelsea can improve next season? Let us know your thoughts!