Chelsea's Quest for Domestic and European Glory

If media reports are anything to go by, Manchester United won the Premiership and Champions League last year with no one else in sight. The reality was far different though.

United won the league by a meagre two points on the last day of the season (even that looks more impressive than it was thanks to Kevin Davies' last second equaliser for Bolton). They were just one penalty kick away from losing out on the Champions League.

The truth is, United should have won both trophies easily, but they didn't. They struggled to them and the team they struggled against, Chelsea, are a far more formidable force than they were last season.

Injuries, the ACON, internal unrest and a change in manager should have laid waste to any challenge Chelsea might have made. But it didn't, which is commendable in itself. So imagine what a fit, settled squad, under a proven manager is going to be capable of.

The loss of Jose Mourinho just two months into the season had an undoubtedly negative impact on the squad that lasted throughout the season. Avram Grant was a good manager but he was very limited and there was always doubt over how much he controlled the dressing room. 

These would not be issues for 'Big Phil' Scolari however, who has shown in the past he cares little for reputations such as when he dropped Figo from the Portugal squad. The only doubts over Scolari centre around his lack of experience managing clubs in Europe.

A CV that includes Copa Libertadoras and World Cup victories can't be dismissed though. As coach of Portugal he's no doubt had plenty of time to analyse the European game.

The mood around the Chelsea camp is undoubtedly more optimistic than it was six months ago. The players are excited for the new season. The prospect of working with one of the worlds top coaches will be a factor in persuading Wayne Bridge, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba to commit themselves for the future.

He's brought in Deco to bolster an already excellent midfield and Jose Bosingwa at right-back, the only area Chelsea were lacking something. Even Florent Malouda, who had a torrid time last season, is showing signs of the form that won him french footballer of the year.

Malouda was instrumental in the pre-season five-nothing demolition of AC Milan. He created three goals for Nicolas Anelka, another player who had an excellent pre-season and has something to prove in the new season.

This is possibly the strongest position Chelsea have been in at the start of a season since winning back-to-back titles. If United want to retain their trophies they'll need more than a missed penalty kick.