What do the English teams need to be competitive in the Champions League?

In the last few seasons the Premier League teams have been pretty poor in Europe, and have fallen well behind the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Last season none of the English clubs made it past the first knockout stage.

What do this seasons four Champions League participants competitors need player wise as well as a shake-up in their tactics to move them back into Europe’s elite. Matt Birkinshaw offers his opinion’s on who each team need to compete once again on the European stage.

Chelsea

Jose Mourinho did a great job leading Chelsea to the league and cup double last season, but in Europe they fell well short of expectations. Eden Hazard was the main man last season and at times Willian and Oscar offered very little going forward.

Antoinne Griezmann or Marco Reus would be great additions, they would add real quality to Chelsea’s attack, and would add goals. Towards the end of the season a lot of players looked tired, and that was largely down to lack of rotation. Squad players like Cuadrado and Ramires need to offer more when called upon, and putting pressure on the likes and Oscar and Willian for their places. The additions of both Griezmann and Reus would give Mourinho move flexibility in Europe as well as more continental experience.

Manchester City

In all their years in the Champions League City have struggled to make any kind of impact. They’ve spent a lot of money and it’s time they stopped making excuses of difficult draws, and started getting results. Against Barcelona last season they were setup very poor tactically, playing 2 upfront allowed Barcelona to overrun them in midfield.

At times City were very poor defensively and with Vincent Kompany’s recent injury woes a top centre-back should be targeted. Nicholas Otamendi, the Manchester United target would be a superb addition, and help tighten the defence in particular but they also need to overhaul their ageing squad and the addition of Delph is the first sign that Pellegrini knows he needs fresh blood in his squad.