Why Chelsea can win the Champions League this season

Photo: Getty images

Former Chelsea star Joe Cole has backed Chelsea to win the Champions League this season despite Chelsea’s struggle for form domestically.

Cole told football.london: “I think Chelsea are one of 10 or 11 teams that can win it. Cup football, you have to do it on the night. Chelsea have players who can do it on the night against anyone.

“It’s also a welcome distraction, the league form hasn’t been as good as Chelsea would have hoped. The Champions League becomes like a respite because nobody is expecting Chelsea to win it.

“It’s not a free hit but gets you out of the shackles a little bit and that can springboard to the league form.”

Cole added: “I think it’s a great game. I think the crucial part of the game, people have talked about Bellingham and Fernandez in midfield, is how Chelsea play out through the back, whether they go four or a three, and through Dortmund’s press. That’s crucial. I think Dortmund they set traps for you, the trap you down one side.

“I think Chelsea have to play through the lines and have to get players on the ball in comfortable positions in the final third. That’s where the game lies. Particularly early on is a danger for Chelsea.”