Chelsea placed in Pot 2 of the Champions League Group Stage Draw
According to the Mirror, Chelsea have been placed in pot 2 of the UEFA Champions League group stage draw.
The Blues qualified for the competition by finishing fourth in last season’s Premier League. With a stronger squad next season, Frank Lampard will look to build upon our last 16 finish last season.
Liverpool are the only English team in pot 1 courtesy of them winning the Premier League. Both the Manchester clubs have been placed along with us in the second tier.
Chelsea could face a number of tough opponents if the draw goes against us. Pot 1 also consists of the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Sevilla, Juventus, Zenit St. Petersburg and FC Porto. (h/t Mirror)
The Blues were thoroughly outplayed by Bayern last season. Hopefully, we will be more competitive in the coming season.
Of the teams in the top pot, Porto represents the easiest opposition. Although Zenit isn’t a team that creates fear, the long trip to Russia is something we can do without.
No free lunches in the Champions League
RB Leipzig and Inter Milan are in pot 3. They could be joined by SPL champions Celtic provided they qualify. Italian mavericks Atalanta are in pot 4 and also present a daunting challenge. (h/t Mirror)
With a number of teams in the last two pots yet to be determined, Chelsea will have to wait to evaluate all of their potential outcomes of the draw.
All the pots except the first are ranked based on UEFA’s five-year coefficient of performance in European competition (h/t ESPN). The group stage draw will take place on Thursday, October 1. The first matchday will kick off on Tuesday, October 20.
The other clubs in pot 2 are Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica (if they qualify), Shakhtar Donetsk and Ajax Amsterdam. (h/t Mirror)
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Chelsea have qualified for the final twice, winning their maiden Champions League title in 2012. Didier Drogba and Petr Cech were the heroes on the night.
Lampard would be well aware of the experience of having won the trophy. He can hopefully inspire his young team to emulate the class of 2012.
