Phil Hay, the lead writer for The Athletic FC, and Liam Twomey, Chelsea's dedicated writer, dive into Chelsea's disappointing US Tour, marked by only one win in five matches and defensive woes. They discuss how Enzo Maresca is grappling with 'old habits' while trying to instill a fresh tactical approach. The chaotic transfer market raises questions about player dynamics, particularly concerning Connor Gallagher's situation. With the Premier League season approaching, the tension around performance and squad readiness is palpable.
Chelsea FC's preseason struggles highlight the ongoing issues with defensive organization and the need for tactical improvements under new manager Enzo Maresca.
The club's transfer strategies, including the departure of Conor Gallagher and pursuit of new attackers, reflect a commitment to restructuring the squad for better coherence.
Deep dives
The Unforgettable Obstacle Swimming Event
The 1900 Summer Games in Paris featured a unique and strenuous event known as obstacle swimming, which has not been repeated in subsequent Olympics. Competitors had to navigate a challenging 200-meter course in the Seine River that involved various tasks like diving, jumping onto a platform, and swimming under boats. This demanding competition was so difficult that not all participants completed it, highlighting the extreme challenges athletes faced during the early days of Olympic sports. This historical perspective emphasizes the evolution of swimming as a sport and the increased focus on athlete safety and accessibility in modern competitions.
Challenges Faced by Chelsea FC in Preseason
Chelsea FC faced significant struggles during their US tour, managing only one win in five preseason games under new manager Enzo Maresca. The team has been criticized for old habits and ineffective strategies inherited from previous coaching decisions, particularly their high defensive line, which has left them vulnerable to counterattacks. Observations from preseason matches indicated a lack of pressing and defensive organization, with opponents taking advantage of Chelsea's misplaced passes near their own goal. The club's structure for the tour has also been pointed out as inadequate, making it crucial for Maresca to solidify his tactical approach before the Premier League season begins.
Analysis of Chelsea’s Tactical Transition
The transition from former coach Mauricio Pochettino's tactics to Enzo Maresca's new system is a focal point for Chelsea as the new season approaches. Maresca has been tasked with improving Chelsea's defensive prowess while implementing a possession-based playing style that mirrors elements of Pep Guardiola’s approach. Despite having a talented squad, the integration of new strategies has proven challenging, as seen in their preseason performances against teams like Manchester City, where defensive lapses allowed easy goals. The effectiveness of this transition remains uncertain, raising questions about the team's readiness for the demands of the upcoming Premier League season.
Chelsea's Transfer Market Dynamics
Chelsea's transfer strategies continue to evolve, particularly with the recent departure of key player Conor Gallagher to Atlético Madrid, which reflects the club's shifting priorities. The move comes as Chelsea looks to restructure their squad under Maresca, who seeks to cultivate a cohesive tactical identity despite the disruptions in personnel. The club is also actively pursuing other attackers to enhance their firepower, with notable targets including Victor Osimhen, indicating a willingness to invest significantly to improve their competitive standing. This shifting landscape highlights the ongoing challenges of squad management and cohesion amidst a backdrop of high expectations from Chelsea supporters.
With just one win in five games, Chelsea’s US Tour hasn’t quite gone to plan, conceding four goals apiece to both Celtic and Manchester City along the way.
New boss Enzo Maresca blamed ‘old habits’ for their defensive misgivings after his side’s latest defeat to Real Madrid.
So, with the Premier League season just over a week away what should we expect from Chelsea?
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Phil Hay, lead writer for The Athletic FC newsletter as well as our Chelsea writer Liam Twomey to analyse their pre-season preparations, discuss how Maresca has settled as well as touching on the ever-chaotic transfer business heading in and out of Stamford Bridge.