Indeed, Ajax and PSV Eindhoven have both recently featured in the competition, with the former reaching the quarterfinals last season. Feyenoord, on the other hand, have not participated in the Conference League yet, but their pedigree suggests they could make a strong run if they were to qualify. The Eredivisie is a league where the top teams can often be separated by a few points, so it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility for one of these Dutch giants to find themselves in the lower-tier European competition.
In conclusion, while Chelsea’s achievement in winning every major European honor is certainly impressive, it’s unlikely that many teams will follow suit. The unique combination of circumstances required for a team to drop down into the Conference League while also having the quality to win it makes it a rare feat. However, teams like Manchester United, Juventus, Porto, and the big three in the Netherlands could potentially find themselves in a position to complete the set if things align in their favor. Only time will tell if any of these clubs can achieve the same level of success as Chelsea in European competition. In 2022, Feyenoord came incredibly close to achieving what Chelsea did that year, but unfortunately fell short in the final against Roma. This was a significant achievement for the Dutch club, considering they finished first in the Eredivisie that season. However, Feyenoord, along with Ajax and other top teams, face what we call the Celtic dilemma, where a drop-off season is always a possibility.
One team that could potentially replicate Chelsea’s feat in the future is Borussia Dortmund. Although they have a rich history in European competitions, including a Champions League win in 1997, Dortmund’s recent performances have been inconsistent. They will need to navigate a path of winning the Conference League and Europa League while facing challenges in their domestic league.
Overall, the likelihood of any team replicating Chelsea’s success in the near future seems slim. Chelsea’s achievement in 2022 will likely remain unmatched for a long time. The road to European glory is paved with challenges, and only time will tell if another team can rise to the occasion like Chelsea did in 2022.
