OPPOSITION VIEW: CHELSEA

Ahead of our final game of the season, we spoke to the lads from the Chelsea Echo to discuss how their season has gone...

Eighth place in the Premier League going into the final match, how would you say the season has gone?

One word? Shite. Standards are in the floor at Chelsea and after what has been spent, there is simply no positive to come from this season.

You can still qualify for the Conference League or Europa League, depending on our match and results elsewhere. How bothered are you about qualifying for one of these competitions and how bothered will you be if it’s Conference League instead of Europa League in the end?

Look. It would be great to qualify for Europe. Financially we need it. However, this team doesn’t deserve it, and it would cover up some huge cracks if how things are going. Sounds spoilt, but wouldn’t mind a season out of Europe for BlueCo to feel the squeeze and change tact.

Did you expect Sunderland, on the final day of the season, to be directly challenging you for European football when the fixtures were released back in June?

Absolutely not, but credit to you guys. An absolutely mega season!

Which Sunderland player are you most wary of?

Brian Brobbey. The man is a mountain and you can’t get the ball off him. It must be nice having a competent striker who isn’t Liam Delap…

Who has been your best player this season?

João Pedro has delivered more than I thought he would this season. 22 goals is an unbelievable return. Hoping he can continue it next season.

What are your thoughts on temporary boss Calum McFarlane and are you looking forward to seeing how Xabi Alonso does at Chelsea?

Callum MacFarlane doesn’t smile even when a good thing happens, and he’s out of his depth. Doesn’t have the badges to coach the team, and it says a lot about the BlueCo overhaul internally. We’ll see with Xabi. If he’s listened to and given power, things can change. But it’s all going to be developing over time. Don’t want to get ahead of myself.

What needs to happen in the summer transfer window to get you back competing for the Champions League spots?

How long have you got? A season out of Europe could be a saving grace, but some quality experience would be a guarantee and signing some players who we aren’t just going to flip, but are going to grow and become part of the squad.

Are you going to the match?

Unfortunately not. Rail replacements from London to Sunderland were a bit of a stretch for me after the year we’ve had! Next year, definitely want to tick it off my list!

What is your score prediction for the game? Goalscorers?

I’m not one of predictions, but I can’t see us winning this one. You guys have been excellent at home.