The 2024/25 season is just around the corner, and it is shaping up to be a pivotal one for several of Europe’s most storied clubs. For teams such as Manchester City and Real Madrid, the new term looks like business as usual. The Blues are the short-priced favorites to make it five straight Premier League titles next May, while Los Blancos have added a certain Kylian Mbappe to an already star-studded cast of UEFA Champions League winners.
However, for some of the continent’s heavyweights, it may well be now or never. With high expectations, transformative squad changes, and immense pressure from fans and stakeholders alike, three of Europe’s heaviest hitters find themselves at a crossroads. But who are they, and why do they find themselves in this situation?
Chelsea
For the better part of two decades, Chelsea was one of the best-run clubs on the planet. Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich piled hundreds of millions of pounds into the club, transforming them into behemoths in the process. Firstly, Didier Drogba and then Kai Havertz helped the club claim not one but two UEFA Champions League crowns in addition to five Premier Leagues, five FA Cups, four League Cups, and two Europa Leagues. However, since his sale of the club two years ago to American billionaire Todd Boehly, things have become much more turbulent.
The Blues have spent over £1 billion on players since the new owner’s arrival, and somehow their squad has managed to get worse than it was before. Last season, the West London outfit finished down in seventh place, consigning them to Europa Conference League football this year. And if that wasn’t bad enough, Bohley sacked manager Mauricio Pochettino, despite the Argentinian seemingly gelling his squad together at the end of last season.
Now, Leicester City’s EFL Championship-winning boss Enzo Marseca is the new man in charge, and while he may be new to the club, he certainly won’t be allowed any honeymoon period. Chelsea simply have to have a good season this year, otherwise, they will be a laughing stock and potentially at the mercy of Financial Fair Play rules. Star players such as Christopher Nkunku are fully fit for the first time in over a year, and they will need to be at their best if the Blues are to contend for the top four as expected.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich is Germany’s rekordmeister, but last year they were unceremoniously knocked off their perch for the first time in 11 years. The third last season, despite moving heaven and earth to bring in England captain Harry Kane. They finished a whopping 18 points behind Xabi Alonsos domestically unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen, who became the first Invincibles in German football history.
Now, the pressure is on the Bavarians to take back their crown. The club sacked manager Thomas Tuchel after last term’s dismal displays, appointing former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany to take over the reins. That may come as somewhat of a surprise to many, especially because he managed Burnley to relegation from the Premier League last term. The Belgian boss has returned to the English top flight to secure the signings of both Michael Olise and Joao Palhinha, and both will have to be at their best if they are to usurp Die Werkself.
Despite their lackluster performances last season, Bovada online sports betting odds still makes Bayern a -200 favorite for the Meisterschale next season, with the reigning champions priced at +225. For striker Kane, he must be thinking that surely he is due a trophy this term. The England skipper has never tasted silverware throughout his decade-plus career at the top, and to make matters worse, he lost his second straight European Championships final with England this summer. Surely his curse will be broken this season?
Juventus
Juventus is at a crucial juncture as they look to restore their former glory. The Bianconeri’s recent struggles in Serie A and Europe have led to significant changes in the squad and coaching staff. Thiago Motta has taken over at the Allianz Stadium following the departure of Max Allegri, and the 41-year-old will be aiming to build on last season when he led Bologna to the Champions League for the first time in history.
Many supporters were disappointed with the 2023/24 season, with the Turin club unable to keep pace with the relentless Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri romped to the Scudetto, while Juve finished down in third. But perhaps the campaign should have been considered an overachievement considering the squad was built in Piedmont. There were hardly any big names pulling on the famed black and white stripes, instead focussing on younger stars such as Nicolò Fagioli.
The summer has been a rather quiet one, with Douglas Luiz and Khéphren Thuram the only marquee additions. But despite that, expectations remain as high as ever, and Motta will be expected to hit the ground running. If the Bianconeri aren’t in the title race by Christmas, expect his head to be on the chopping block.
