Chelsea legend Claude Makelele lists his Champions League favourites and rates former club's prospects of European glory

Claude Makelele was universally regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation following spells at Nantes, Marseille, Celta Vigo, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

He won the Champions League with Madrid in 2001-02 and believes Chelsea can challenge for European football's biggest prize this season.

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The Blues won the Conference League last season and then claimed the title of best club side on the planet after beating PSG 4-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup final in the summer.

Speaking exclusively to DAZN News, Makelele said he does not see Enzo Maresca’s side as among the favourites to win their third European Cup ahead of their Matchday 4 trip to Qarabag tonight.

Nevertheless, the 52-year-old former midfielder said: “Can Chelsea challenge for the Champions League? Of course.

“The way they played against Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the Club World Cup is how they need to play in the Champions League in order to be successful.

“I see three top teams as the favourites for the Champions League in Arsenal, Real Madrid and PSG.

“But you always have a surprise and absolutely the surprise will be Chelsea.

Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

“Chelsea have the capacity to arrive in the right moment fresh because the potential is there, the young talent is there and the quality is there.

“The club is starting to be good and they give time for the managers.

“This is very good for understanding the young players and allowing them to develop, so I’m happy with where Chelsea are at right now.”

Makelele reckons the new Champions League format can suit Chelsea and help them to go under the radar and reach the latter stages.

He added: “I'm sure they have the possibility to be there for the quarter-final and semi-finals, so let’s see how far they can go.”

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