Chelsea defender Levi Colwill believes the club’s emphatic Club World Cup triumph proves they are now ready to challenge for the Premier League or Champions League titles as early as next season.
The 22-year-old centre-back started in the Blues’ stunning 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, a result that crowned Chelsea as world champions in FIFA’s newly expanded Club World Cup format, a title they will hold for the next four years.
Reflecting on the significance of the win, Colwill was adamant that Chelsea’s performance sends a message to their domestic and European rivals.
“Yeah, definitely,” Colwill said when asked if Chelsea can build on their Club World Cup success to conquer the Premier League or Champions League.
“I said at the start of this tournament that our plan was to win it, and people looked at me like I was crazy. So I’m going to say the exact same thing now going into the Premier League and Champions League.”
The victory over PSG, who were widely considered favourites for the title, was Chelsea’s second Club World Cup win, but the first under FIFA’s expanded format. Colwill sees the achievement as a turning point for a team that has been rebuilding under head coach Enzo Maresca.
“This is the biggest trophy I’ve ever won,” he continued. “I think the Club World Cup will become bigger than the Champions League, and we were the first team to win it. That’s a statement victory.
In the future, if we keep winning trophies, then everyone will give us the love we deserve. But we’ll only know that with time. I think we’re ready, and we’ll see next season.”
Colwill’s confidence mirrors the growing optimism within the Chelsea camp, with the squad showing signs of resurgence after a period of transition. The Club World Cup title, earned through dominant performances, may well be the spark that launches a serious bid for domestic and continental silverware in the upcoming season.
