Pep Guardiola expects Chelsea to be again difficult for the title within the close to future.
Chelsea final received the Premier League throughout Guardiola’s first season at Manchester City in 2016-17.
Since then it’s City who’ve dominated the competitors, taking the crown in 5 of the previous six campaigns.
Chelsea did edge out City within the 2021 Champions League ultimate however there was loads of turbulence on the London membership since, and so they presently sit tenth within the desk.
Guardiola, who takes his aspect to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, mentioned: “Chelsea remain one of the more important teams in England.
“It’s true that in the Premier League they were not close to winning it in these last seasons but they’re still one of the strongest teams, there’s no doubts about that.
“I see that in the last games they are alive, they have good spirit, they are aggressive, they have a good pattern. The quality is there.
“It’s one of the toughest games that we have during the season. Sooner or later Chelsea will be there fighting for the titles, and I guess sooner than later.”
Chelsea have had a rocky begin to the marketing campaign beneath new supervisor Mauricio Pochettino however Guardiola has little doubt they may come on sturdy.
He mentioned: “It’s normal. They are getting better. Every manager needs his time – it’s a new club, new players but they’ll be a top contender because the quality in all departments is there.”
Two of Chelsea’s higher performers this season have been the previous City pair of Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling.
City academy product Palmer, 21, switched golf equipment in August having grown pissed off at a scarcity of alternatives on the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola mentioned: “The reason why was that he wanted game time. Now he has it, so congratulations.
“He’s a guy who came from the academy and if he is having success it’s good for him and we wish him the best. I’m really pleased for him.”
Sterling received 4 Premier League titles and the FA Cup at City and Guardiola recognises him as a dangerman this weekend.
Guardiola mentioned: “He’s playing really good, he’s back in his best moments, best performance, (from) what I’ve seen lately.
“He always creates incredible dangers for the opponents.”
