Despite missing out on European football, ex-England and Man United striker Wayne Rooney is of the opinion that Chelsea might emerge as a “real threat” in the Premier League the following season.

After losing 2-1 to Sunderland on the last day of the season, Chelsea finished a poor campaign in 10th place, missing out on Conference League and Europa League qualification.

During a tumultuous season, the Blues also fired managers Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior before hiring Xabi Alonso as their new head coach.

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In an interview on the Wayne Rooney Podcast on Monday, Rooney stated that Chelsea’s lack of participation in Europe would be advantageous for them in the upcoming campaign.

“I think they’ll be a real threat next season.

“Obviously having one game a week, and then with Alonso coming in, I think it’s exciting for the Premier League because I think he’s got the potential to be a top manager.

“It gives him a period of time to feel his way into the club and get his ideas across. So I think it will benefit the football club,” he said.

Rooney also pointed to the advantage of having more time on the training pitch compared to clubs involved in European competitions.

“Pre-season this year for all the managers at all the top clubs will be disrupted, obviously, because of the World Cup.

“I think that’s where it will benefit Alonso, because he’ll have that time once the season starts to get his ideas across.

“The teams in Europe might struggle a little bit. It could be an extra three days a week [on the training pitch],” he added.

Chelsea previously bounced back from a 10th-place finish to win the Premier League title in the 2016-17 season, and Rooney believes a similar recovery could be possible under Alonso.