3. Mid-Season Trip to Japan
Maybe one reason why teams fail to retain the Champions League is because in December they are sent away to play in the FIFA Club World Cup. The format has been adjusted from the days when Manchester United had to forfeit the FA Cup to participate, but the near twelve hour flight over to Yokohama to play two games in four days, then another twelve flight back, just before the Premiership enters the crowded festive period, would stretch a 40-man squad, never mind 25. European teams do not have it all their own way in the Club World Cup, having fallen the first three times to the South American champions who are able to prioritise the competition over domestic issues. However that trend has been reversed and Europe has come out on top four times in a row, and Chelsea will be hungry to add a new trophy to their cabinet. That sapping trip to Far East could lead to Chelseas players running on empty when the season reaches its climax.