Chelsea kicked off their pre-season tour in the USA and it has not been what Chelsea fans were hoping for. Preseason tours are usually a good indicator of players fitness levels, future style of play, positions that may need strengthening and many more. Yet for Chelsea this pre-season has been one of concerns as the Blues have yet to show a convincing performance under new manager Enzo Maresca.
They first faced Wrexham, a Welsh team owned by actors Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney and is currently in EFL League one. Yet despite leading in this game, the Blues ended up drawing 2-2 with the Welsh side.
Although Maresca played many young players, these are youths that Todd Boehly has decided to invest in as they are seen as valuable assets to Chelsea’s future. For many Chelsea fans this game was a good indicator of the talent they have in their squad but also a game many thought they would win. This meant that Enzo Maresca would have to wait for his first feel good moment at the club.
Next, the blues travelled to Indiana to face Scottish Premiership winners Celtic, at the Notre Dame Stadium. In this game many first team and senior players were listed in the fixture such as Captain Reece James but the final result of 4-1 to Celtic did nothing to bolster Chelsea fans' hopes.
Ultimately these scorelines amount to nothing. They won’t affect Chelsea in terms of the Premier League or any other competitions they are in this season but it is a massive indicator as to where they are heading. In the pre season of 22/23 Chelsea were demolished 4-0 by Arsenal in the States and this game was a preliminary to the development of both teams. Chelsea regressed massively, with the club achieving one of its worst finishes in their history as they ended the season in 12th. Whereas Arsenal went on a title charge, only falling short at the end after some injuries.
Although preseason is mostly a chance at clubs marketing their brand and coaches having a feel of what development is needed to strengthen their squad it is still quite important.
It is an early indicator to the trajectory of a team and where they are headed. For new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, there is a lot to think about especially considering he is now looked at to pick up where previous manager Mauricio Pochettino left off. This season is a massive season for Chelsea to re-establish themselves as a big six power in both the Premier League and Europe.
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