Former Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro has backed Chelsea to win back-to-back Champions League crowns.
The legendary winner was asked to assess the favourites for Europe’s top competition this season, and he said that the Blues are very capable of emulating Real Madrid who retained the trophy in 2017:
“I think Chelsea can do it. They have a great manager in Thomas Tuchel, and a very good team. Real Madrid did it three years in a row, which was a historical accomplishment for the club and [then manager Zinedine] Zidane. But to win the Champions League, you need a lot of things to go your way. For me, English clubs are better prepared.”
Cannavaro seems to be confident about Thomas Tuchel’s abilities to guide his side to another historic achievement, but the Blues may have to do it the hard way after last night’s result against Zenit St Petersburg.
The 3-3 draw in Russia resulted in them finishing second in their group meaning they could face Ajax, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Ligue One champions Lille in the round of 16. They can’t play Juventus who were in the same group, while the other three group winners were all English teams (Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United).
Chelsea will be hoping for a favourable draw when it takes place on Monday at 11 am in Switzerland.
