Under the canopy of preparing vehemently for the pre-season. Chelsea open training session took place yesterday, as they prepared for their club friendly against Wrexham.
The live training was actually broadcast on the club’s official website. And Mauricio Pochettino’s troops were brilliant and sharp.
Of course, the Argentine manager used two different starting XIs. The first starting XI was mainly occupied by young players.
The likes of Santos, Casadei, Ângelo, Moreira, and others started Chelsea open training session. Meanwhile, the experienced players trained on another pitch.
Behdad Eghbali was at the training session on Tuesday. At least, he was there to witness Mauricio Pochettino’s first live training session.
Pre-season shirt numbers for new signings:
- Malo Gusto – 34
- Levi Colwill – 37
- Ian Maatsen – 38
- Andrey Santos – 39
- Cesare Casadei – 40
- Ângelo Gabriel – 41
- Diego Moreira – 42
- Nicolas Jackson – 43
- Christopher Nkunku – 45
However, the players shirt numbers are most likely to change when the season fully starts. They are expected to wear these numbers against Wrexham on Thursday.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men trained openly yesterday in 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formations. Apparently, the West London club needs a new midfielder to balance the squad.
The Argentine manager made his setups and style of play known during Chelsea open training session. The Blues are expected to go far in all competitions next season.
Meanwhile, Thiago Silva was the last player to leave yesterday, after the training session. The Brazilian mastero was busy signing for the fans.
Chelsea Open Training Session: What do you need to know?Â
1. Too many left-backs in the squad
Of course, the West London club currently have four left-backs. Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, Lewis Hall, and Ian Maatsen.
There’s no way Mauricio Pochettino will accommodate four left-backs next season. As a result, one or two of them are most likely to leave.
During the live training yesterday, Ian Maatsen played as a left attacker, instead of a left-back. He also played as a left central midfielder.
Maatsen’s versatility allows him to play comfortably in those positions. However, it’s most unlikely that he will leave Stamford Bridge next season.
2. Nicolas Jackson’s link-up prowess
The Senegalese central-forward started the first phase of the open training session. And he was impressive throughout his minutes.
Nicolas Jackson was dropped deeper than the attackers behind him. Therefore, he linked up very well with the midfielders, despite playing as a striker.
In the course of dropping deep to the midfield. He did switch to both flanks, attacking the box and causing havoc on the pitch.
Having watched him during Chelsea open training session. His combination with Christopher Nkunku will help the team’s performance.
3. Mykhailo Mudryk’s readiness
The Uruguayan Neymar started the first phase under Mauricio Pochettino yesterday. He was very sharp, chasing the ball left and right.
Mudryk’s agility is supreme, having seen his performance yesterday. The player would shine and establish himself under the manager.
Despite the fact that Mykhailo hasn’t been able to impress the Blues fans. However, he literally revealed his readiness to learn yesterday.
Mudryk was so focused and determined on Tuesday during the open training session. He’s expected to ball for Chelsea next season.
4. Andrey Santos as a central midfielder
It’s obvious that Mauricio Pochettino believes so much in Andrey Santos. He started him in the first phase of the training session.
As a result, the Brazilian played as a central midfielder. However, Enzo Fernández wasn’t one of the first phase starters.
Santos was very quick and vertical in his buildup play. At the same time, he aligned brilliantly with the fullbacks, dropping back to the back.
Andrey is expected to start against Wrexham on Thursday. He has the ability to offer the West London club many qualities.