Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has suggested that the Blues could potentially start planning for another appearance in the Champions League final.
Thomas Tuchel’s men lifted the trophy last season against Manchester City, their second success in the competition, entering Thursday’s draw as defending champions.
The Blues were eventually placed into Group H alongside Italian giants Juventus, Russian outfit Zenit St Petersburg and Swedish champions Malmo.
It is a relatively kind group for Chelsea having avoided the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain amongst others, leaving Chelsea fans relatively pleased ahead of the start of the competition next month.
Meanwhile, former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole shares those reactions, with neither of the three teams particularly troubling for the reigning European champions in his eyes.
The ex-Liverpool man has also suggested that the Blues could even start scouting out potential accommodation in Russia, with the final set to take place in St Petersburg in May 2022.
Talking on BT Sport, Cole said: “Juventus, they’re not the threat that they would have been two or three years ago when they seemed to be beating everyone.
“Malmo is the enigma - they’ve not been in the competition a while but that’s a good away trip, the fans are going to enjoy that one.
“And Zenit St Petersburg, that’s where the final is going to be. I don’t want to get above of myself but they can start scouting hotels and venues.”
The Blues finished top of their Champions League group last season en route to the title having not lost a game.
However, the last time Chelsea headed into the group stage as holders, they failed to progress through to the knockout rounds having also been drawn alongside Juventus.
The Blues did however get handed a consolation as they entered the Europa League, a competition that they ended up winning against Benfica.
