Chelsea appears all set to finish within the top half of the Premier League table as Guus Hiddink has deftly executed his masterclass plan to revive somewhat their disastrous season even if they are out of contention for a Champions League spot.
This season has been nothing short of unpleasant for Chelsea as they found themselves plummeting down the ranks at the start of the campaign, but ever since the departure of Jose Mourinho, things seems to have lightened up a bit at Stamford Bridge.
The likes of Diego Costa and Fabregas who were underperforming early on in the season have suddenly rekindled the unparalleled form that saw them give Chelsea a massive title boost last time out.
Some Speculation in mid-November suggested that the abysmal performances at the beginning of the season could be accustomed to the fact that the players had fallen out with Jose Mourinho due to his brash management style, but Guus Hiddink’s father figure approach to management has gotten the Chelsea lads back to their best.
Hiddink’s sights might be set on a Europa Qualification spot but, a 5th or 6th place finish might be an unnecessary target for the Blues as they are still in contention for the FA Cup, which would give them a straight ticket into 2nd tier continental football next season.
But surely a team of Chelsea’s stature and calibre can’t just settle for the Europa League; the Blues will most definitely make an audacious attempt to win the UEFA Champions League.
We might be witnessing shades of 2012 when Blues won the UCL they finished out of the top four In the Premier League. Considering the fact that a Champions League triumph automatically secures qualification for the next season, Chelsea will be keen on making a massive push for Europe’s elite club competition once again.
Their players are definitely up to the task, but they’ll have to step their game up a notch to mount a viable bid for the UCL.
The London side will be looking to overturn a one-goal deficit in mid-week as they greet Paris Saint-Germain in the return fixture at Stamford Bridge.
The first leg ended 2-1, with Chelsea knocking the all important away goal which could prove to be a decisive factor in the 2nd leg.
There seems to be a keen sense of buoyancy in and around the Chelsea camp which has most definitely been inspired by the flamboyant nature of Hiddink’s managerial style as well as the loyalty of the Chelsea fans.
With the most theatrical season in Premier League history drawing to an unprecedented close, Chelsea will be looking to end the campaign on a high note by possibly finishing within a Europa League spot.