Thomas Tuchel had high hopes for Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech in their second spells for Chelsea.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Tuchel reassured that the three summer signings would be even stronger this season.
Each arrived at Stamford Bridge with big reputations, matched with equally strong price tags.
Havertz (£71m), Werner (£45m) and Ziyech (£33.3m) all crossed over from the continent to join Frank Lampard’s Chelsea in 2020.
Better second time around
Despite wielding an impressive CV and undeniable quality, the trio faced their individual struggles across the campaign.
Werner went 14 games without scoring despite rarely missing a match.
Havertz was hit with covid in November, which took a chunk out of his confidence for a while.
Ziyech couldn’t hold down a regular starting role and only managed 10 goals and assists combined.
Yet, Tuchel installed faith in the talented trident, insisting they will come back stronger this time around.
“Maybe it’s also sometimes a question of composure, but also of experience and having a second-year in the Premier League for Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, a second-year for Hakim Ziyech,” he said.
“Adapting and everything not being new will be a huge point. I’m confident.”
Ensuring a happy camp
If Tuchel can get these three up to the levels they showed at their previous clubs, then Chelsea are going to be a frightening force.
Especially with the imminent inclusion of Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan.
The Blues boss now has the healthy headache of trying to keep all his superstars content.
This also covers chopping down the senior squad to the required 25, with a lot of returning loan players still to consider.
Olivier Giroud, Fikayo Tomori, Conor Gallagher, Billy Gilmour, Victor Moses and Marc Guehi are out of the door.
Lukaku and goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli have been added, as the transfer window rapidly begins to close.
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