Former Premier League midfielder Didi Hamann does not see Chelsea as title favourites this season, and believes Thomas Tuchel was handed the Champions League by Pep Guardiola.
Chelsea are among the favourites for the title this season after winning Europe’s top prize at the end of last season.
Their hopes were boosted by a summer of big spending in which they paid over €100m to sign Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan.
His arrival fills the last big hole in their side, with many feeling they have been missing the elite level striker that they need.
The Belgian joined a squad filled to the brim with talent already, with Tuchel boasting numerous options in pretty much every position.
It is why they are the favourites for the title for many, despite the fact they finished 19 points behind Manchester City last season.
Hamann is having none of that, though, and believes his fellow German was fortunate to win Europe’s top prize in May.
“I don’t think they are on the same level as Liverpool and Manchester City,” he told Goal’s German edition.
“You can win the Champions League if you don’t have the best team. But the championship you can’t. That’s why third place would be the highest of feelings for Chelsea.
“Thomas Tuchel also benefitted in the final from the madness Pep Guardiola put on, playing without a defensive midfielder.
“But they were 25 (editor’s note: it was 19) points behind Manchester City in the league last season and have also been taught a lesson by them recently.”
