Chelsea’s US match is not a big deal from any perspective

Chelsea has a postseason friendly before the Europa League final. Many think it is ridiculous but it is really no big deal.

Chelsea’s final Premier League match is away to Leicester City on 12 May. They will then cross the Atlantic to play New England Revolution in a charity match desired by both team’s owners. Two weeks after that, Chelsea has the Europa League final against Arsenal in Azerbaijan.

Maurizio Sarri has stated that he does not want to go to the US with the season still going on. He is not worried about the players physically, but mentally. Many fans have also jumped on that wagon and have demanded Sarri play the kids (which he cannot based on the travelling roster).

Could this match have been timed better? Absolutely, but the organizers likely decided it was better to have a Chelsea team visit that was not in preseason form. The timing also hints that the organizers did not really expect Chelsea to have finals after Leicester. But it is when it is now and it has to be dealt with.

Probably the biggest sticking point is going to be Sarri’s comments and how Roman Abramovich will react. This match is important because it is a cause that Abramovich holds dear and because frankly, if any team needs to be leading a charge like this it is Chelsea given how the media deals with issues related to the Blues.

Some have already tried to drive that wedge between Sarri and Abramovich. And while Sarri’s comments could have been worded better and they will have surely irked Abramovich, this match as a whole is just not worth worrying about. If anything, it might be beneficial.

Many understand the concept of fitness but match fitness remains a foreign concept to many. It is not just enough to drop a player into a game. Players with more games under their belts are able to perform better in them. And with two weeks spiting the match against New England and Arsenal, there is still plenty of time for the rust to set in. But Arsenal at least do not have the same opportunity to stay match fit. It might be a small advantage for the Blues.

Of course, normal fitness needs to be considered too. It would be silly to have Chelsea’s starting lineup play 90 minutes. Luckily, friendlies like this are often relaxed enough with substitutes that Sarri should be able to give everyone a half hour or so to stretch their legs.

Sarri was more worried about the mental fatigue they will accumulate, but if anything the trip might help lessen the mental fatigue. Teams that play in the Europa League have long seasons compared to anyone else. A trip away from the lime light and a few days together as a squad with a low risk friendly could be beneficial. The players could continue to bond ahead of the final and recharge a bit before getting back to training.

But really, as poorly timed as this friendly is, there is no reason to make a big deal out of it. Abramovich wants it to happen and so it will. Sarri’s job is to worry about the physical and mental fitness of the players and he can rotate them heavily on the day as well as frame it as a retreat from the pressure of the season. Refreshed and recharged, the Blues can use the match to prepare for Arsenal. It is all a matter of framing it as an opportunity rather than a hindrance.