Opinion: Be it the Conference League, 6th place finish means massive symbolic success for Chelsea

Chelse have been guaranteed European spot after finishing sixth in Premier League this season

Chelsea finished the season sixth in the Premier League and it will seen as a big success for the club. Nonetheless, considering how the team performed in their first game under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, one could argue that it was hardly expected of them.

With a new manager and a young squad full of inexperience and mired in injuries, Pochettino’s biggest task was turning things around at the club. and it was expected he would face plenty of problems this season with injuries and the team not playing to their full potential.

However, things took a turn for the better as the season came to a close, and Pochettino had the bravery to adjust his tactics in order to find the team’s greatest flow so that something could be delivered. We reached the final of the Carabao Cup but lost 1-0 to Liverpool despite being a deserving side, and we did the same in the FA Cup semi-final but lost 1-0 to Manchester City.

However, the players picked themselves up and showed their potential as we moved from the 10th spot to eighth, seventh, and sixth. It was surprising to see Chelsea win the last five games of the season and secure a European spot.

Chelsea have a chance to reach the Europa League next season if Manchester United loses against Manchester City in the final of the FA Cup. If they win, then the Blues will play in the Conference League. Nonetheless, it is still a success for a team that has battled so much since last season.

Another benefit for the players is that participating in European competitions will give them some European exposure and prepare them to play in the middle of the week. It is imperative that this youthful team participate in European competitions.

Therefore, rather than being remembered as another poor campaign, this season should be viewed as a huge triumph for this young club, and Pochettino deserves praise for his ability to turn things around in the face of a great deal of pressure and criticism.

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In order to improve the squad’s performance for the next season and aid the manager in expediting the team’s squad building, perhaps he will be given another opportunity the next season and acquire some more seasoned players.