The new Premier League season hasn’t even started yet and Enzo Maresca is already feeling the heat at Chelsea.
This isn’t an unstoppable Chelsea, or one in full flow, but a team with clear issues and proof that the new man in the dugout has his work cut out.
Chelsea were deservedly beaten by Celtic in a pre-season friendly on Sunday, with the London club shipping four goals, after previously drawing 2-2 against League One Wrexham.
At the end of the day, you shouldn’t look too much into pre-season matches and this isn’t the time to go overboard.
But Mauricio Pochettino’s shock exit, no trophies, no proven signings or Champions League football are making it pretty hard for fans to be upbeat.
Like many teams last term, Chelsea went through their own injury crisis, which further derailed their campaign.
Yes, Cole Palmer stole the show for Chelsea, but many sidelined players were missed and now they are back in action.
Some might point towards forward Christopher Nkunku, perhaps midfielder Romeo Lavia or centre-back Wesley Fofana as huge misses.
But Andy Townsend wanted to put forward the name of right-back Reece James and how he is a ‘formidable’ player for his club, as he told talkSPORT (28/07/24 at 2:50 pm).
The 24-year-old only played 421 minutes of Premier League football last term and it cost him his place at Euro 2024.
Townsend stated that James is ‘as good as any’ of his England teammates pushing for right-back places and that Chelsea simply aren’t the same without him.
Reece James’ injury woes for Chelsea
“Had Reece (James) been fit and firing at his best,” said Townsend. “I think he might have started instead of Kyle Walker, for Gareth Southgate. I know Gareth was really, really a fan of Reece when he was at his best.
“When Reece is in full flow, his delivering into the box is as good as Trent’s, with all his power in his running, which makes him such a formidable player. 60+ minutes is good for him, despite the result – when he is fit, he is as good as any of them.
“I really hope that he stays fit early part of the season and we see him back to his best. Chelsea don’t look anything like the same without him. Malo Gusto did very, very well last year, but I think Reece is a different proposition completely for any opponent when he is fit and well.”
Chelsea in the transfer market
What is probably frustrating fans is that Chelsea aren’t buying proven players, but still going down the road of young talent.
That is proven by who their latest goalkeeper is going to be. Sources have told HITC that Chelsea have agreed a £20 million deal for Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.
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You feel this season is a crossroads moment for the under-fire owners, who whatever you think of them, have put in a lot of money.
But if Chelsea aren’t competing with the elite in 12 months or showing progress, then those who pay for their tickets will make their feelings pretty clear.
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