Pep Guardiola expects Chelsea to be again difficult for the title within the close to future.
Chelsea final received 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 last however there was loads of turbulence on the London membership since, and so they presently sit tenth within the desk.
Guardiola, who takes his aspect to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, mentioned: “Chelsea stay one of many extra essential 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 a superb 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 shall be there combating for the titles, and I assume prior to later.”
Chelsea have had a rocky begin to the marketing campaign below new supervisor Mauricio Pochettino however Guardiola has little doubt they are going to come on sturdy.
He mentioned: “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 annoyed at a scarcity of alternatives on the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola mentioned: “The explanation why was that he needed 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 the perfect. I’m actually happy for him.”
Sterling received 4 Premier League titles and the FA Cup at Metropolis and Guardiola recognises him as a dangerman this weekend.
Guardiola mentioned: “He’s enjoying actually good, he’s again in his finest moments, finest efficiency, (from) what I’ve seen currently.
“He at all times creates unbelievable risks for the opponents.”
