PSG’s 4-2 ouster of Chelsea from the Champions League likely means the club will not be participating in UCL football next season.
Guus Hiddink knows this, especially given the club’s disappointing draw at Stoke City this weekend hurt their slim chances of surging back into a Top Four spot in the Premier League.
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With Chelsea bringing in a new manager this summer, it was always going to be a summer of tumult. Now, how many players will want to leave if Chelsea isn’t in a European tournament? And how many will come knowing they are at least a year away?
“In my opinion, Chelsea are now in a transitional period from where they have to see how to go on, and to try to regain the lost terrain where Chelsea used to be. That’s true.
‘”It’s difficult to get in to fourth position, there is a very big gap. Chelsea must consider its short-term future on how to handle this, but they knew that beforehand.”
It could also mean far less Chelsea players out on loan next season, with players like Victor Moses, Nathan Ake and Christian Atsu needed at the Bridge.
Chelsea can still qualify for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup. They’ll next face Everton, and powers Manchester United and Arsenal remain alive in the competition.