Manchester City can expect a Premier League title race from Chelsea next season, says Citizens winger Leroy Sane.
The Stamford Bridge club are enduring a chaotic pre-season after finishing fifth last term.
A managerial change has seen coach Antonio Conte replaced by Maurizio Sarri, while there is uncertainty over star men, talisman Eden Hazard and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
NEW COACH: Maurizio Sarri. Photo: Alessandro Garofalo/ REUTERS
But with the attack-minded Sarri in charge, Sane is positive that the Blues will be tougher opposition than last season.
After coming up against Sarri’s Napoli twice in the Champions League last season – beating them 2-1 at home and 4-2 away – the 22-year-old have the right man in charge to turn things around at Stamford Bridge.
The winger says: “Chelsea have brought in a really good coach.
“The way Napoli played last season was really attractive. We really suffered against them.
“They might need some time to get used to his tactics but they could be a really tough team.”
Sane, who was named Young Player of the Year thanks to his 10 goals and provided 15 assists for the champions, was a shock omission from Germany’s World Cup squad.
But the speedster insists the disappointment of being overlooked is driving him on.
Sane says: “I was disappointed but from that moment and now I’m just looking forward. I’m just preparing to be ready for the start of the new season.
“It gives you motivation. It would be a dream to play in the World Cup.
“When I watched the World Cup I had the feeling that I wanted to be there.
“But I’m 22 and I still have a lot of years to prepare.”