Thomas Tuchel names Spurs among five teams set to challenge for Premier League title next season

Thomas Tuchel believes his Chelsea side will have to contend with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in the race for the Premier League next season, in addition to Liverpool and Manchester City next season. Pep Guardiola's side claimed this season's title on the final day with a dramatic victory over Aston Villa to deny Liverpool by a single point.

Tottenham on the other hand claimed their place in next season's Champions League with a comfortable victory over Norwich, while Manchester United edged into the Europa League despite defeat to Crystal Palace with new boss Erik ten Hag watching on. That defeat did little to persuade Tuchel that the Red Devils wouldn't be in the race however, with the Blues boss citing Antonio Conte as a major reason to expect Spurs to prove competitive next term.

Tuchel is expecting a tough task, Chelsea's ownership not withstanding, and knows that his side will have to perform well in the transfer market, particularly because the club are currently not in a position to ask. The German coach explained that a plan is in place, but a lot of work will be required from the Blues.

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He said following Chelsea's win over Watford: "It will be a super tough race. Manchester United will be in the race and Tottenham will be in the race with Antonio Conte for sure. We want to stay in the race and Liverpool and Man City do everything to make their squads bigger and they set the standard so high. This is the challenge in which we compete.

"We have at the moment a huge disadvantage - that's not decisive yet. There is no need to make excuses now, it is just the situation we are in and we have to be as quick as