Axel Disasi has revealed that Chelsea are driven by the chance to become the first team to win all three European competitions.
Despite finishing in the top six the Blues were relegated to the Conference League after Manchester United won the FA Cup.
It’s the first time Chelsea have ever been in Europe’s third tier competition, but it offers a very realistic opportunity for the Blues to get their hands on a trophy this season.
Disasi on what drives Chelsea
Chelsea narrowly advanced through a play-off against Swiss side Servette and actually lost the second leg 2-1, but did enough to advance 3-2 on aggregate.
Enzo Maresca’s men kickstarted the league phase of their campaign with a 4-2 win against Gent at Stamford Bridge, with Renato Veiga scoring his first goal for the club.
The Blues have their second game in the competition away at Greek side Panathinaikos on Thursday night and will be looking for a second consecutive win.
Maresca has left the likes of Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana and Cole Palmer out of the squad, with Palmer recently revealing what he now does on a Thursday night.
For Disasi the Conference League has given him the bulk of his minutes and he’s only played 94 minutes in the Premier League.
In a recent interview the Frenchman spoke about Chelsea’s objectives for the season and revealed what’s driving the squad.
“Chelsea is renowned for going all the way in European competitions,” he told Chelsea’s website.
“Also, we know that if we win it, we would be the first ever club to win the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. That obviously drives us, and it’s clearly our ambition.
“For a club like Chelsea, not playing European football last season was not normal. This season, we have the opportunity to shine on the European stage, and we’ll do everything we can to bring the club back where it belongs.”
Whilst the Blues are used to Champions League football, success in the Conference League could be a real stepping stone for this young group and a potentially pivotal moment.
The priority absolutely has to be getting back into the Champions League, but winning the Conference League would also guarantee the Blues Europa League football next season.
