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Gareth Bale thinks Club World Cup win could put Chelsea into title contention
Enzo Maresca's side blew opponents PSG away at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday, with a first-half onslaught that stunned the European Champions.
Cole Palmer was the architect, scoring twice and setting up a third for Joao Pedro as the Blues went on to become the first team to win the newly revamped competition and earn the label of world champions.
Chelsea 3-0 PSG | FIFA Club World Cup Final Highlights
"I do not think they are far away at all," Bale said.
"Last season, they got to around Christmas, and everyone was talking about them being contenders. Obviously, they are a young team, and they kind of fell off, but I think they will learn a lot from that.
"They have shown character as a team to come back and win the Conference League, and now win this. I think confidence will be booming and they will have that self-belief now."
However, standing alongside Bale, fellow pundit Jon Obi Mikel still has concerns for his former side and their credentials next season, namely down to the need for a new goalkeeper.
Robert Sanchez played in last night's final and his performances throughout the tournament were rewarded with the Golden Gloves award, but the Nigerian thinks Chelsea will need a new number one if they are to compete for the big prizes.
He said, “I still believe we do need a top, top goalkeeper.
"Robert Sanchez had a brilliant game today, but going into the new season with the Champions League and the Premier League, I think you still need another top goalkeeper that is going to come in and compete with him.”
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