Chelsea head into the 2025/26 Premier League season on the back of a successful first year under Enzo Maresca.
Under the stewardship of Maresca, the Blues qualified for the UEFA Champions League and clinched the Conference League title – before going on to win the FIFA Club World Cup at the beginning of July.
In addition to their achievements in 2024/25, Chelsea have signed a host of players in the summer transfer window, strengthening their squad across key areas.
Maresca is reportedly closing in on a deal for Ajax star Jorrel Hato with a seven-year contract put forward to the Dutch international.
While some fans and neutrals are backing Chelsea to fight for the top-flight title in 2026, one Chelsea player is bracing for a tough season, with a warning to his teammates about what to expect.
Levi Colwill believes a fundamental mindset change is needed at the club if Maresca’s charges want to take the next step.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Levi Colwill believes ‘everyone will want to beat’ Chelsea in 2025/26
Colwill believes opposition sides will now view Chelsea with a different perspective on the back of their recent success in the USA.
Speaking to The Athletic, the England international said: “Do I think teams will target a win over Chelsea even more so they can say they’ve beaten the world champions? Definitely, but that’s not a bad thing.
“They will give us respect. But we have to always be on it, our mindset has to be that we have to win every game.”
Colwill also set out his confidence of making an impact on their return to the Champions League as the standard of competition steps up.Â
“When that anthem comes on, it’s going to be a dream, I could get a bit emotional, to be honest.”
Chelsea’s last appearance in the Champions League came in 2023 as they reached the quarterfinal stage. But if the new-look squad can play to their potential next season, they could go even further in 2026.
Chelsea news and related links
