Although Jose Mourinho’s first season in charge upon returning to Chelsea in 2013 was considered a disappointment by many, the next 12 months could be quite different.
Unlike during his previous three years at Stamford Bridge between 2004 and 2207 the 2013/14 campaign ended trophyless for Mourinho and the Blues finished third in the Premier League behind champions Manchester City and Liverpool.
Yet the summer has been a busy one for the West Londoners. As a result, here are five reasons why fanatix thinks the club could well win the English title in 2014/15.
1. World-class signings
Since Roman Abramovich bought the club back in 2003 spending big on players has not been an issue, but whether they are actually worth the money is debatable.
However, this summer Mourinho has acquired four new first team stars (with youngster Mario Pasalic also signed and immediately sent out on-loan to Elche).
Of those £30m Cesc Fabregas can be defined as a genuinely world-class player who is considered by many to be among the best midfielders in world football.
Added to that the supreme talent of Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and club legend Didier Drogba and things are looking good at the Bridge.
2. Better strike force
If there was one glaring issue with the side last term then it was in attack and Mourinho has looked to address the problem in the transfer market.
Demba Ba, Samuel Eto’o and Romelu Lukaku have all left the club, whilst Costa’s £32m purchase looks to provide a real cutting edge in the final third.
If Costa can recreate this form in West London then Mourinho’s men could be unstoppable.
3. Defence
Although Filipe Luis has been signed and Kurt Zouma has returned from his loan spell at Saint-Etienne, the key to the Blues’ success at the back is less about arrivals and more about stalwarts.
Last campaign Gary Cahill and John Terry were the statistically best central defensive partnership in the whole of the English top tier and the duo look set to continue alongside each other.
Filipe meanwhile is a perfect like-for-like replacement for the departed Ashley Cole, having helped Atleti to numerous titles over the past four years and Zouma is a prodigious talent.
4. Mourinho
The manager himself may not have had the best season of his venerable career last time out in the dugout, but there are few better coaches in world football currently regardless.
Mourinho’s CV speaks for itself, with success and silverware across four different countries and not many bosses can compete with the 51-year-old’s list of achievements.
In English football it is no different either, where only Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger can match the Portuguese maestro for trophies won.
Don’t be surprised if Mourinho is lifting his third English title come May 2015.
5. The return of Drogba
To the surprise of many the Blues have brought back Drogba to the club after a two year absence in China and then with Galatasaray.
Many think this return could taint the striker’s legendary status after scoring the winning penalty in the 2012 Champions League final with his last kick for the side first time around.
Yet at 36-years-old the secret to Drogba’s comeback being a success is less about what the Ivory Coast international does on the pitch, with game time likely to significantly drop this time around.
It is more about the experience and gravitas the forward brings to the club, which will be vitally important in the dressing room following the departure of fellow veterans Cole and Frank Lampard this summer.