The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ finished less than a month ago, but Europe’s top leagues are already preparing for the 2018/19 season. After a flurry of transfer activity and managerial changes, the coming year of football promises to be an exciting one.
Ahead of the new season, we’re previewing the hopes of Hyundai-sponsored teams Chelsea, Atlético de Madrid, Hertha Berlin, AS Roma and Olympique Lyonnais.
Chelsea
Hyundai Motor became the Global Automotive Partner of English Premier League side Chelsea FC in June, in a deal which will see the Hyundai brand logo presented on the sleeve of the club’s shirts in all domestic competitions until 2022.
After winning the Premier League in 2016/17, Chelsea endured a difficult season last time out, finishing in fifth place. This time around they have a new manager at the helm, the former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri, who will be looking to bring an exciting brand of technical, high-speed attacking football to Stamford Bridge.
With world-class talent such as Eden Hazard, N’Golo Kanté and new midfield signing Jorginho at his disposal, Sarri will be aiming for the Premier League title and a return to the UEFA Champions League in his debut season with the Blues.
Atlético de Madrid
In June, Hyundai Motor also became the Global Automotive Partner of Club Atlético de Madrid, ten-time winners of Spain’s La Liga. As a result of this agreement, the Hyundai brand logo will appear on the sleeve of Atlético’s shirts in all domestic competitions until 2021.
Diego Simeone’s side have been bolstered by exciting new signings Thomas Lemar, Gelson Martins, Kalinic, Arias, Rodrigo and goalkeeper Adán, while 2018 FIFA World Cup™ winner Antoine Griezmann signed a contract extension until 2023. Atlético will once again challenge for the La Liga title, and aim for an elusive UEFA Champions League title in the upcoming season.
Hertha Berlin
Hyundai Motor also became the Global Automotive Partner of German Bundesliga side Hertha BSC in June. Until 2021, the Hyundai brand logo will feature on the left sleeve of the club’s jersey in all Bundesliga matches.
Hertha BSC finished tenth in the Bundesliga last season, and will be aiming to bring European football back to Berlin's Olympiastadion in the 2018/2019 season.
New signings this year include striker Pascal Köpke from Erzgebirge Aue, defender Lukas Klünter from 1. FC Köln and midfield player Javairo Dilrosun from Manchester City.
AS Roma
In July, Hyundai Motor became the Global Automotive Partner of renowned Italian club AS Roma, the three-time Serie A champions. The Hyundai logo will feature on the back of the famous red and gold jersey in all domestic competitions until 2021.
After a busy summer of transfer activity, Roma return for the new campaign with a wealth of new and emerging talent as they look to build on the progress they have already made. Argentine playmaker Javier Pastore, Italian international Bryan Cristante and highly-regarded young winger Justin Kluivert are among those who have been added to Eusebio Di Francesco’s exciting and energetic side.
Olympique Lyonnais
Since 2012, Hyundai has been the premium partner of seven-times French champions Olympique Lyonnais. Last season, the club fought until the very last day of the Championship, finishing in third place and qualifying for this year's UEFA Champions League.
Moreover, Olympique Lyonnais can count on one of its stars Nabil Fekir, the forward who’s been with the club since its very beginning. The new World Cup winner and Olympique Lyonnais team captain will be committed to make hiss team shine on the French and European stages.