Chelsea's European project

By Phil Gordos

Mourinho won the Champions League with Porto in 2004

Gavin Peacock believes there will be more pressure on Chelsea next season as they attempt to capture the one major prize to elude them - the Champions League.

The former Blues midfielder, who scored 27 goals in 134 appearances for the club between 1993 and 1996, thinks Jose Mourinho's side will be even better if they can clinch the signings of Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko.

But he warns that expectation levels will also be higher at Stamford Bridge following their failure to land Europe's most prestigious club trophy.

The Blues were knocked out of the competition by eventual winners Liverpool at the semi-final stage last season before bowing out to Barcelona in the last 16 this time around.

Chelsea's season in photos

"You can't trivialise the fact that they have won the Premiership two years running for the first time in their history and are clearly the best team in the country," Peacock told BBC Sport.

"But as delighted as they are to win the championship again, they will be after more.

Once they get the Michael Ballack situation sorted out and maybe sign Andrei Shevchenko or someone like that, it's going to be hard to stop them Gavin Peacock

"Yes, they went out of the Champions League but it was to Barcelona, who are the best team in the world, so there is no disgrace in that.

"But once they get the Michael Ballack situation sorted out and maybe sign Andrei Shevchenko or someone like that, it's going to be hard to stop them.

"They really want to win the Champions League but, despite what Jose Mourinho says, there will be more pressure on them next year."

I nearly quit Chelsea - Mourinho

Mourinho, who won the Champions League with Porto in 2004, has not been entirely comfortable in the spotlight this season, especially when certain members of his squad were coming under fire for diving.

But Peacock says the flak is something the Blues boss will have to live with.

"He has felt that Chelsea have been hard done by and people have had it in for them but that's part and parcel of being at the top," said Peacock.

"Manchester United probably felt the same way."

Peacock expects a few players to leave Stamford Bridge to make room for Ballack and several other high-profile signings.

Robben's future at Stamford Bridge is not certain, says Peacock

Ballack is expected to complete his move from German champions Bayern Munich in the next few weeks, while the club have also been linked with AC Milan striker Shevchenko and Arsenal left-back Ashley Cole.

Hernan Crespo is tipped to leave and there are also doubts over the futures of defenders Williams Gallas, Ricardo Carvalho and Glen Johnson.

"I think Crespo will go. That's a given really," added Peacock.

"But I hope Gallas stays. Mourinho might sign a left-back. He says he's happy with Asier Del Horno, while there is Wayne Bridge to come back but he may want someone else."

Surprisingly, Peacock thinks Dutch winger Arjen Robben may also be a casualty of any restructure at the club.

"I've just got this feeling that things are not quite right between him and Mourinho," said Peacock.

Trio to leave Chelsea

"A few things have happened and there is also the problem with the diving.

"But if Robben goes it opens the way for Shaun Wright-Phillips to have a run in the side.

"I would like him to get a run because he will get the confidence and go from strength to strength."