How times change. The former apprentice is now centre stage, but can his tutor teach him a lesson or two the hard way? Two weeks ago Louis van Gaal congratulated his “colleague” José Mourinho and Chelsea on winning the Premiership during his press conference ahead of United’s match against Crystal Palace: today, at his press conference ahead of relegation threatened Hull City, van Gaal assures his former assistant that the shoe will be on the other foot come next May.
When asked about his prediction for next season, the Dutchman allowed himself a wry smile, before saying, with trademark self-confidence:
“This is still not a Louis van Gaal team. We are closer than we were at the start of season, but we are not there yet. We will build in the summer and prepare before the season begins. Chelsea have been a special team this year, with a special trainer. Many say their style is not attractive. But statistically, they deserve to have won the league. They will be back prepared, and hungry to win again. But next May, it will be my colleague, José Mourinho who will be congratulating Manchester United on winning the Premiership.”
Van Gaal, a picture of self-confidence, believes with several changes to his squad, United will win the Premier League next season. What a difference a fortnight can make. From humble to imposing. A public throwing down of the gauntlet between two of the most successful and confident (don’t call them arrogant!) tacticians in world football. And what’s better? We are the privileged ones, the English football fans. They have chosen to test themselves against one another in our backyard, the Premier League. Not in Spain, or Germany, or Italy which (arguably) would be a simpler task, they have chosen our league, the same one many regard as the most competitive in world football. Two of the best, two former colleagues, and two friends positioned to go neck and neck with squads filled with world class players…and bags of cash. There is no doubt the rivalry was evident this season when the two met in the technical area, or were relayed messages through the media, but it seems as van Gaal establishes himself in the league, the rivalry will develop into a spectacle, a small, but significant subplot of the much larger Premier League picture.
What makes the spectacle more intriguing is their difference in approach, or “philosophy” as one prefers to call it. If one believes the sky is blue, then the other certainly believes it’s anything but. Mourinho will set up as he has always has, extremely solid defensively with players able to devastate on the break. Not van Gaal. We have seen glimpses of van Gaal’s trademark 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 play intricate possession football in their opponents half this season, but United have been far from consistent. Something he, more than anyone else, realises needs work if United are to hit the ground running come August.
The Catalan brains trust. Van Gaal and Mourinho share thoughts during their time together at Barcelona. Van Gaal’s knack for developing top flight managers is well known, a trainer’s trainer if you will. Many, (and maybe even he) believes that he is truly the master. Given Mourinho has won three more league titles, five more domestic cups, and one more Champions League than van Gaal, Mourinho must be regarded as a brilliant pupil, but a pupil nonetheless. We tend to steer clear of sensationalistic language at this newspaper, but, given the personality of the two, I feel the coming metaphor is apt: like the tagline of a Hollywood blockbuster, this is truly a battle of the master against the apprentice.
Authors Note
So ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our FM16 story. I will be playing as van Gaal, and my good friend Feliks will be playing Mourinho. Strap yourselves in.
Victorious Chelsea manager, José Mourinho has very kindly invited BT Sport’s Jake Thompson into his home to speak about the season just gone, and his future just hours after Chelsea were crowned 2014/15 Premier League champions.
Thompson: José, you’ve just regained the Premier League title, what are you going to do now?
Mourinho: A trip to the Bahamas? In all seriousness, the only thing in my mind is to keep the trophy. I have no doubts that the team can achieve this, and with the correct deals in the transfer window and preseason training, I believe that my club can win again.
Thompson: How does this title compare to your previous wins as Chelsea manager?
Mourinho: It compares in a good way. In so many ways they were similar but in the last season it was special because of the organisation and planning that my club made towards winning the title; we lost a lot of the big boys, Ashley Cole, Essien, Lampard, who were so, so crucial in the team. A lot of the player didn’t have Premier League titles so to win is a real, erm, testament to their abilities as players.
Two of Chelsea's stalwarts departed under Mourinho and it makes the title that much sweeter, says Jose. Thompson: Your former boss, Louis van Gaal, has recently stated that he expects Manchester United will win the 2015-16 Premier League title, what do you make of these comments?
Mourinho: I think it is good sentiment, of course, because Manchester United have not been so good in the last few years since they lost Fergie, so to come out and say that is bold from Louis. Will it happen? I don’t know.
Thompson: Will Chelsea be their main challenger?
Mourinho: If they aren’t, I’m not doing my job right. Of course we will be, United and Louis are good adversaries and it will be nice to be pushed this season. I am confident we will come on top again, however.
Mourinho was reluctant to discuss the claims made by van Gaal earlier in the week. Thompson: Where do you feel your team needs strengthening?
Mourinho: I feel like these players have proved their worth to me; they were unproven before this season and now they can say they are the best in the league. There isn’t much I’d like to change. Perhaps some more English players; it is hard to say at this point.
Thompson: Will the Champions League become more of a priority now that you’ve won the league?
Mourinho: That is a good question, and the answer right now is - I’m not sure. There are a lot of, erm, factors to consider, and what the fans want is always important to me and the club. I guess by the time the Champions League comes around I will know.
Thompson: And just a final one for our viewers - Didier Drogba. Epic player for the club hanging up his boots. You’ve had a long history with him. Do you have any final words for him?
Drogba was at Chelsea for all 3 of Mourinho's titles at the club. Mourinho: Of course, of course. He’s been a legend of the club and he’s always welcome back - not as a player of course! He’s had his run but we all know his time has come. It was a great time though. A fantastic player.
Thompson: Well thankyou for your time Jose, and congratulations on your title success. We wish you all the best for the year ahead.
Captain-not-so-fantastic: Robin van Persie has not found his form this season. Dishonourable mention to Robin van Persie
Not to say that he should go, but if he does, it would not come as a surprize. The Dutchman has looked half the player he was last season which was reflected in his playing time. van Persie was only given one start between February at the final game of the season, with van Gaal placing his faith in Wayne Rooney rather than his compatriot. The United manager has remained tight-lipped on van Persie’s future, but insists the rumours of a big money move to Qatar that surfaced yesterday were completely unfounded.
Expected destination: FC Bayern, Juventus, Dortmund.
6. James Wilson (loan)
The 19 year old striker has been given his chance this season with his far more reputable colleagues failing to find the net regularly, appearing in 16 matches. Similar to what many young strikers at top clubs face, the last at United being Danny Welbeck, Wilson has not proven he can be relied upon to score a goal off the bench regularly. And like Welbeck’s loan to Sunderland, Wilson needs a loan promising first team football to prove just that. Then, maybe, he could be an important squad player for van Gaal as be begins to blossom under a manager that is known for developing young talent.
Expected destination: Swansea, Sunderland.
5. Adnan Januzaj (loan)
Unexpectedly, Adnan Januzaj has had very limited first team football under van Gaal this season. Januzaj was the one of, or only, silver lining of David Moyes’ disastrous reign at Old Trafford. But this season, he has played half the minutes he did last season. For the 20 year old Belgian to fulfil the potential that looked possible in 14/15, van Gaal needs to let Januzaj leave on loan to grow, not doing so would be in contrast to the Dutchman’s philosophy.
Fellaini has not had a poor season. He scored 6 goals from midfield. At times, everything went through him, or, at his head (ask Sam Allardyce). Instead, controversially, Fellaini should go because he is a liability. A player never far away from a needless booking, mindless red card, or an infuriating ban, Fellaini does more damage than good. A player that likes raising an elbow, dropping the knee, or a scratch to the face, if physicality is Fellaini’s greatest asset, there are better options that provide that, within the laws of the game.
Expected destination: PSG, Atlético Madrid, Everton.
Evans needs to leave United to continue his development. 3. Jonny Evans
Jonny Evans looked conformable, composed, and commanding when partnered with Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidić, but when he is the senior figure in the centre-back partnership, those qualities have faded, dramatically. Unable to secure a consistent first team spot in a centre-back partnership that has been shuffled a record number of times his season, Evans looks set to spend more time on the bench next season as a big name centre-back is virtually certain to join, and at 27, surely Evans will want a move to go ahead.
Expected destination: Everton, Tottenham.
2. Rafael
Plagued with injuries and second choice when fit, it seems Rafael’s days at United are numbered. The Brazilian is a polarising figure, some suggest he has been unlucky with injuries and still has a lot to learn, some believe he is a liability defensively. Regardless, Rafael fits the mould many teams look for in a fullback, quick, brave, and able to influence the attack. Surely these qualities will see him move to another elite team, and fingers crossed for him, an injury free season elsewhere.
Expected destination: PSG, Valencia CF, Benfica.
A fallen star: Falcao has looked half the striker he was in seasons past. 1. Falcao
Sadly, following his knee injury at AS Monaco, Falcao has never looked the menacing, clinical, and mercurial complete forward he was at Atlético and FC Porto. It seems the only silver lining from the Falcao loan was just that, a loan.
Expected destination: AS Monaco, Juventus, Chelsea.
Should De Gea leave, Lloris looks like the next in line to wear the prestigious #1 at Old Trafford. Honourable mention to Hugo Lloris
If Manchester United lose their battle to keep David De Gea with Real Madrid continuing to track the future Spanish #1, the French shot-stopper looks the best alternative to fill the void between the sticks at Old Trafford.
Expected price: £25-30m.
6. Edinson Cavani
With many expecting Manchester United to sell Javier Hernández to the highest bidder, to let misfiring Falcao return to Monaco without triggering the reported £43m option to buy clause, and with the continued speculation regarding the future of Robin van Persie at United, Manchester United will certainly be looking for a leading number 9 to partner Wayne Rooney. Since his move to Paris in 2013/14, Cavani has looked every bit worth his £53m transfer from Napoli.
Expected price: £50-60m.
5. Nathaniel Clyne
With Rafael unable to break back into the first team after injury under van Gaal, and question marks over winger turned wingback, Antonio Valencia’s defensive abilities, United are almost certain to sign a right fullback that could be thrown into the first team immediately. Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne has been thrust into the limelight in the last 24 months, even beginning to establish himself as Roy Hodgson’s first choice. His home-grown status, and potential to grow are two quality rarely overlooked by both United and van Gaal.
Expected price: £18-23m.
After years of speculation, will Gündoğan finally join United? 4. İlkay Gündoğan
It seems the German playmaker already has one hand on a Manchester United strip. Reports suggest he was on the verge of signing last season before one party pulled the plug, but it appears it is just a matter of when, not if now. United are spoilt for choice in the centre of midfield, so where will he fit in? A probable replacement for the aging Michael Carrick, or a straight swap for Ander Herrera? Either way, United are getting themselves a midfielder specialising in influencing the play from deep, while being capable of winning the ball back.
Expected price: £25-30m.
3. Arturo Vidal
Speaking of winning the ball back…is there anyone better at doing just that in world football than Arturo Vidal? The sheer sight of him must surely make slight attacking playmakers shake in their boots. And he’s exactly what United fans have been demanding for several seasons, an aggressive midfielders that will win back the ball more times than not, a centre-backs dream. But, prizing a star player from Champions League finalists Juventus has proven a very tough ask in the last few seasons, (talk to every top club about the price of Paul Pogba).
Expected price: £35-40m.
2. Gareth Bale
The scapegoat. The target. The victim. Whatever you want to call him, Gareth Bale has been treated unfairly by the Spanish media and Real fans alike. The Welshman, who moved to Real for a world record £85m after a stellar season at Tottenham now seems certain to look for an exit route, with United, Manchester City and Chelsea believed to be the only clubs that could afford the massive fee without breaching FFP regulations. The left back, turned left winger, turned right sided inside forward, would give United serious firepower on the right wing and with the confirmed signing of Dutch livewire Memphis Depay from PSV Eindhoven earlier this month, United look deadly on both flanks.
Expected price: £75-85m.
Is this the last goodbye for the BVB fans? 1. Mats Hummels
Why is the most expensive player (and potentially about to break his own record to leave his Madrid nightmare) not our #1 player United need to sign? Because this is a list of the players United most need to sign, and it should come as no surprize that United need a world class centre-back more than anything else, and Mats Hummels appears the only the only one, potentially, on the market. Widely regarded as one of the most commanding centre-backs in world football, Hummels would certainly add some serious solidity to a United backline that has been far too inconsistent this season.
Even club legends are being forced out of the title defence For the players who featured, 2014/15 was a brilliant season at Chelsea Football Club. John Terry wound back the years, Thibaut Courtois became a household name and Eden Hazard tore the league to shreds. These players and many more clicked, becoming an unstoppable force and Chelsea easily won the league for the 3rd time under Jose Mourinho. But does anyone remember the exploits of Oriol Romeu? Mohamed Salah? And what about the club legend Petr Cech? In this article, we’ll have a look at 6 players who need to leave Chelsea for their own good - sometimes the best club isn’t the best fit.
The January flop? Dishonourable Mention - Juan Cuadrado
The Colombian livewire was Mourinho’s big January signing, costing the club £23.3m, and even the manager himself admitted that he was struggling to adapt to life in the Premier League. He didn’t make much of an impact over 13 games and the big price tag seems to have taken its toll. It would be unlikely for him to leave permanently after being at the club for just 6 months but a loan could be imminent for Cuadrado.
6. John Obi Mikel
A player that could have been an honourable mention, Mikel still has a part to play at Chelsea but it seems to be getting smaller and smaller each year. After starting 100% of the games he played in 2010/11, he dropped to 65% in 2013/14 and just 60% last season as Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas begin to control the central midfield. Of course, he did play 30 games, which is definitely solid. But with Nathaniel Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek coming up, and Ramires possessing far more versatility, the Chelsea stalwart may find himself on the outer.
Expected Destination - Besiktas, AC Milan, Valencia
5. Mohamed Salah
The next 4 players on this list are all players who weren’t at the club last season, and instead were on loan at a variety of clubs in Europe. The first is Mohamed Salah, who could just as well stay as go. He played just 3 games last year before leaving on loan, yet received a winner’s medal on the insistence of Jose Mourinho. This could be an indication of the ‘Special One’’s endearment towards the Egyptian player, but with Cuadrado, Willian, Oscar and Hazard at the club it would be hard for him to get in the side. Serie A is a likely destination for this skilled dribbler.
Expected Destination - Fiorentina, Roma, Udinese
Looks destined to join Bojan as a high profile La Masia flop
4. Oriol Romeu
Unlike Cesc Fabregas, Romeu’s transition from La Masia to the Premier League hasn’t gone to plan after a failed stint at Chelsea and 2 fairly anonymous loan spells at Valencia and Stuttgart. He hasn’t managed to stamp himself at the club and with Mourinho’s patience waning, the once highly touted midfielder will probably leave Chelsea on a permanent basis.
Expected Destination - Stuttgart, Southampton, West Ham
3. Marko Marin
At 25 years of age, and having played just 6 games for the club over the past 3 years, Marko Marin is a prime candidate to leave the club after flopping since his move from Werder Bremen. Marin failed to make a mark on loan at Sevilla, Fiorentina and Anderlecht and is at a point in his career where he needs to leave the club before he descends into obscurity. Could be very damaging for a smaller club.
Yes, Victor Moses remains on the Chelsea payroll for reasons we are unsure of, after unconvincing loan spells at Liverpool and Stoke. There is no space for him in the first team squad this season, so a loan or a transfer is his only option. At 25, you’d think he’d outgrown loans, and could finally be on his way out of Stamford Bridge. Chelsea fans can only hope.
Expected Destination - Stoke, West Ham, West Brom
The changing of the guards 1. Petr Cech
The Chelsea legend was almost forgotten last season, playing just 7 games as Thibaut Courtois emerged as an elite goalkeeper. After over 300 games for the Blues, the 33 year old will want to put the 2014/15 season behind him and start anew this year, away from Chelsea. He’s simply too good to sit on a bench and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Cech at a Premier League rival sooner rather than later.
Even as the title-defending manager, Jose Mourinho will know that making no changes to his squad will spell danger for Chelsea Football Club. Constantly adding valuable and exceptional players is key to being a dynamic club and as such Mourinho should have some prime players lined up to join the London side. Here's 7 of the very best that could join Chelsea.
View attachment 193302 Could the Colombian come back to redeem himself? Honourable Mention - Radamel Falcao
He had a shocker of a season at Manchester United but Chelsea of all teams know just how good he can be, harking back to the 2012 Europa League final when the Colombian striker kicked a stunning hat trick to seal the trophy for Atletico Madrid. Since injuring his knee before the World Cup however, Falcao has fallen off the pace completely and now needs a fresh start away from United and AS Monaco. Chelsea looms as an unlikely destination but with the departure of Drogba, anything is possible.
6. Antoine Griezmann
A very unlikely pick-up for Chelsea in more ways than one but Griezmann would be an outstanding transfer if it did happen. He only signed for Atletico Madrid last season however, for £24m, and therefore would cost a substantial amount more for Chelsea to sign him, considering his great start to life in Madrid. Moreover, his left wing would already be taken by Eden Hazard, forcing one of them to move - which is itself unlikely. Griezmann would be an unlikely target, but a good one nonetheless.
Expected Price - £30-40 million
5. Ricardo Rodriguez
Another signing that Chelsea probably don't necessarily 'need', considering the sterling form of their full backs Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta, but the fact of the matter is Chelsea lack a young, exciting full back for the future and really need another Ashley Cole. Ivanovic isn't getting any younger, or skilled, and with Azpilicueta being a natural right back this could mean a move for one of the world's best young left backs in Ricardo Rodriguez. He's believed to have a release fee clause of around the £23m mark which is a fair valuation of a rising star at Wolfsburg. Not very likely but again, like Griezmann, would be class.
Expected Price - £20-25 million
View attachment 193301 Rodriguez has earned his keep with quality form for Wolfsburg 4. Asmir Begovic
Petr Cech is all but gone, with the Chelsea legend reportedly miffed at his lack of gametime last season, and in the best interest of both him and the club it's probably best he left. This, along with the January departure of Mark Schwarzer, leaves a hole on the bench to be potentially filled by Stoke's Asmir Begovic. The underrated Bosnian has had a few good seasons with the Potters and probably deserves more than a reserved seat on the Stamford Bridge bench, but a spot in a title winning squad is hard to turn down. Could well be on his way in the coming weeks if Cech does go.
Expected Price - £5-10 million
3. Paul Pogba
Bigger clubs than Chelsea have their eye on the talented French youngster after an eye-opening 2014/15 campaign with Juventus. If Mourinho can pay the reported £60m+ pricetag, he'll have to fend off Real Madrid and Barcelona as well because young Pogba is a wanted man. Would be a brilliant signing and one for well into the future as well, with his long shots being a particular feature, and an XI with Costa, Hazard, Fabregas and Pogba would be simply devastating to watch.
The ex-Real striker has continued his form at Napoli, becoming one of Europe's top strikers and with the decline of Falcao he has a genuine claim to being one of the top 4 in the world, along with Suarez, Aguero and Lewandowski. He could add a wealth of experience to the Chelsea squad, including 3 La Liga titles and a World Cup final, and would form a lethal striker partnership with the more creative Diego Costa. Higuain would cost big bucks but could be worth it with the 20+ goals he'd bring.
Expected Price - £40-50 million
1. John Stones
The number one player Chelsea need to sign is John Stones, Everton centre back. He has proven himself to be a fantastic prospect, capable of performing in the Premier League now, and Chelsea fans everywhere are calling for his signature. A level-headed, 6 foot 2 inch, homegrown centre back. Sound familiar? One of Stones' only potential pitfalls will be the shoes he will need to fill, the biggest shoes of all - John Terry's - but he is a player with a lot of potential, and if anyone can go on to become the next great defender at Stamford Bridge, it's John Stones.
Memphis signs off on his new contract with Louis van Gaal Dutch livewire Memphis has officially joined Manchester United on a 4 year deal first morning. United’s first signing of the season joined from PSV Eindhoven for a reported £26m after signing off on his terms on the 8th of May. The Dutchman has asked to be referred to as ‘Memphis,’ dropping his family name of Depay. After a stellar season at PSV in which he netted 22 goals in just 30 games, much is expected of the 21 year old who is capable playing on the wing or up front. Many United fans have compared Memphis to United icon Cristiano Ronaldo in his early seasons due to his ability on the ball, speed, goal scoring ability, and total self-confidence. After confirming the signing, van Gaal revealed that “United were forced” to sign Memphis after the young Dutchman reportedly had offers from Tottenham, Liverpool, and PSG on the table. Memphis has stated his desire to work with his compatriot, Louis van Gaal, was a major influence in his decision to pick United following the strong relationship they built during the 2014 World Cup in the Netherlands camp. Memphis revealed his delight on signing for United in an interview with MUTV:
“This is a dream come true for me; to play for the biggest club in the world and also to have the chance to work with someone who I believe is the best manager in the world, Louis van Gaal. I have great belief in my ability and I work hard to strive to achieve my dreams.” - Memphis
"...Tonight, the Olympiastadion will be the centre of Europe. One team will leave Berlin the treble winner, one will have to remain content with the domestic double. Two managers in their first season in change of their respective clubs, silencing their early season critics. One of the greatest midfielders of his generation in his farewell game, against the best of the next generation. The most clinical forward combination in Spanish football history, against a legendary keeper. Whichever you want to look at it, whichever subplot you prefer, the UEFA Champions Final between FC Barcelona and Juventus this evening will be gripping entertainment.
"For Barcelona, we have ter Stegen in goals, given the nod ahead of Claudio Bravo, and then the classic defensive four - Alves, Pique, Mascherano and Alba. Sergio Busquets will sit in front of them, assisting Rakitic and Iniesta in midfield - Xavi will sit on the bench in his final game for Barca. And there's no prizes for guessing the front 3 - Lionel Messi on the right, Neymar on the left, and Luis Suarez up front."
"And now the underdogs, Juventus. Gianluigi Buffon will start in goals as he's done for 14 years, with Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci and Patrice Evra to be his defensive four. Andrea Pirlo, playing his last game for Juventus, will be the defensive midfielder in a 4-4-2 narrow diamond, with the centre mids being Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba. Arturo Vidal will play high up the pitch in an attacking midfield role and then Tevez and Morata will start at the front."
"...Messi switches the play to Jordi Alba on the edge of the area, he plays it first time to Neymar in the box! Neymar squares up Barzagli, he plays it short to Iniesta who’s broken into the box at pace! He only has one to beat! He squares it to Rakitić with only Buffon in his way! Goal! Ivan Rakitić with the goal after just 3 minutes played. That’s Barcelona’s first shot! Juventus with a terrible start now have it all to do."
"...Marchisio with a an ingenious backheel has put Lichtsteiner in down the right! He rolls it to Tevez! Tevez on the half turn! ter Stegen parries! Morata is all alone! Goal! A simple tap in for the former Real Madrid man has the Italians level! Perfect positioning from Morata! The man who was told he wasn’t good enough for Madrid now has a Champions League Final goal to his name as the Juve fans go crazy!"
"...Rakitić brings the ball forward from his own half. He finds Messi on halfway, Messi has space to run into. Messi. Messi beats his man on the edge of the area, he shoots! Buffon saves! It’s fallen straight to Suárez! He buries it into the open net! Barcelona have the lead again minutes after going level! The vaults the advertising boarding and celebrates in front of the Barca fans behind the goal! It’s Suárez‘s goal, but Messi deserves most of the credit."
"...Piqué heads the ball clear of his penalty area. Juve have committed bodies forward. Messi plays it to Neymar, he’s onside! Neymar’s one on one with Pogba! He plays is to Pedro. Pedro comes back inside, plays it back to Neymar! Pogba is all at sea! Neymar takes a touch! He shoots! Goal! Straight into the far corner! That will do it! Barcelona are kings of Europe once again!"
Manchester United will compete in the 2015 International Champions Cup on the West Coast of the United States as presented by Aon for 14 days. Over the 2 weeks, United will play 4 matches in 4 different stadiums.
Seattle Sounders vs Manchester United
United's first match will see them face MLS side, Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on July 14th.
Sporting Kansas City vs Manchester United
On July 18th, United will travel to Arizona to play Sporting Kansas City at the University of Phoenix Stadium.
FC Barcelona vs Manchester United
United then travel to California to face their first of two European heavyweight opponents. Current UEFA Champions League holders, FC Barcelona will surely be a strong test for Manchester United when they meet on July 22nd.
PSG vs Manchester United
Finally, a match against Paris Saint-Germain at the iconic Rose Bowl will conclude the ICC in the U.S.A when they and United meet on July 26th.
Chelsea FC will be off to Australia for their pre-season tour, commencing on the 8th of July 2015 with 5 games across 3 cities as part of the International Champions Cup. Teams as varied as FC Porto and Brisbane Roar will be their opponents in a tour that is expected to draw bumper crowds.
Chelsea's pre-season kicks off against one of Australia's biggest clubs, Melbourne Victory, at one of the world's best stadiums. The Melbourne Cricket Ground should see close to 80,000 pack the stands to watch the Premier League winners on the 8th of July.
Brisbane Roar are the next hosts, with Chelsea travelling 1600 kilometres north to play at Suncorp Stadium on the 11th of July. The Roar are one of Australia's most successful sides and the clash should be a good one.
Sydney FC and Chelsea FC can draw a lot of comparisons, being the biggest clubs in the biggest cities of their respective countries and having a reputation for being a bit 'classier' than their competition. Australia's 'Bling FC' take on the Blues on the 15th of July in a big match at ANZ Stadium.
Chelsea's first European opponents are Spanish heavyweight Atletico de Madrid, with the two clubs travelling to Melbourne to start the official International Champions Cup on the 19th of July. An even bigger crowd than the earlier MCG match is expected as Fernando Torres faces his old club.
The last date on the tour is the 22nd of July, where ANZ Stadium lays host to another thrilling game between FC Porto and Chelsea. The Portuguese outfit should be a good challenge for Chelsea heading into the season.
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