Enzo Maresca, Thierry Henry and the Man United squad (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images, Alvaro Mendranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images, Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
In his exclusive column for CaughtOffside, former England striker Stan Collymore discusses some of football’s biggest talking points, including Chelsea and Tottenham’s season after European success, Thierry Henry’s comments on Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, Man United’s trip to Malaysia, and more.
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UEFA Conference League win ends excellent season for Chelsea
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca during the 0-0 draw with Brentford (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
I think it has been a 9/10 season for Chelsea. There has been a lot of talk about the money that they have spent over the last couple of years, but it has to be remembered that this is a very young group of players. Enzo Maresca is also in his first season as manager too, which must be taken into account.
Winning the UEFA Conference League should not be overlooked. There were massive favourites to win it, but it is still a good achievement. They struggled in the first half against Betis, but the changes made at half time were the catalyst for the comeback.
Chelsea had a great start to the season, then they had a wobble, before ending it strongly in recent weeks. Maresca deserves credit for the work that he has done, and with that squad only going to get better as it gels and more signings are added, there is a bright future at Stamford Bridge.
The signing of Liam Delap is a very good one. I think it was a clear choice for him to pick Chelsea over the likes of Man United and Newcastle, as there is far more of a pedigree. And on top of this, he already knows guys like Maresca and Cole Palmer. There is also more of a settled environment for him at Chelsea compared to someone like Man United.
Tottenham have work to do despite Europa League success
Daniel Levy, Chairman of Tottenham Hotspur, greets Ange Postecoglou, following…..
