Why Chelsea will not win the 2017/18 Premier League season

Chelsea clinched the 2017 Premier League crown in England with two games to spare and will lift the coveted trophy after the last round of matches on Sunday (today).

The West London club, under the guidance of Italian tactician Antonio Conte, romped to the title – the sixth in its history – with a 1-0 away win over West Bromwich Albion on May 12.

The feat is made more even enviable as it is Conte’s first season in England.

However, retaining the title in the next league season promises to be a tall mountain to climb for the Abramovich-owned club.

Here are a few reasons why they will not retain the title next year:

1. Participation in European Competition

*Chelsea will partake in Champions League competition next season.*

It is imperative to note that Chelsea’s direct competitors engaged in European Competitions almost all season, a task that undoubtedly took its toll on teams’ recoveries and rotations.

2. Possible departure of Eden Hazard

*Hazard’s future at Stamford Bridge is uncertain.*

Chelsea ticks when Hazard ticks, fact.

With the possibility of an exit dangling above the Belgian’s head (Real Madrid are showing keen interest), Chelsea might lose its best playmaker and might find him hard to replace instantaneously.

3. Stiffer competition from Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur

*Guardiola and Mourinho will strengthen their teams in the Summer transfer window.*

As it is Conte’s first season in charge, so is it Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola’s.

Though the latter has found the English league more challenging than his previous sojourns in other countries, he’ll be expected to mount a more serious title challenge next season.

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Not forgetting outsiders like Manchester United and Tottenham (only team that threatened Chelsea’s glory this year), who are building title-challenging teams.

4. Teams being more in tune with Conte’s playing style

*Other teams will adapt to Conte’s playing style.*

After seeing his team get thrashed by Arsenal early in the season, Conte quickly switched his formation and it worked excellently.

Starting from next year, however, teams in the league would be more in tune with the tactician’s style and would subsequently adapt to playing against them.

5. Summer Transfers

*There is uncertainty over the futures of Hazard and Costa*

As stated earlier, there is a possibility of Hazard’s exit. And there is an uncertainty over Diego Costa’s future as well.

Should they leave, how effectively Chelsea replaces these players will be vital to their chances of retaining the title. Others teams around them will strengthen as well.