Chelsea flew to Germany for their final prseason game ahead of the 2019/20 Premier League campaign, which begins up at Old Trafford next Sunday. Frank Lampard has been reducing squad numbers as he hones in on his favoured formation and line-up.
The game against Borussia Monchengladbach gave Frank Lampard the chance of fine-tuning those he believes good enough for a start on the trip to Manchester United, without giving away too much of his plans. As is quite often the case with Chelsea, though, the performance left more questions than answers.
These preseason games are all about adapting to and learning new systems. The results don’t matter, although as games go this one against Monchengladbach was very competitive.
Chelsea’s newbie manager started the game with Tammy Abraham as the focal point of the attack. Like his two Italian predecessors, Lampard has, so far, struggled to find a striker looking capable of getting 20 goals a season.
The youngster had plenty of chances, so that at least bodes well. Whether he is good enough to score them against stronger Premier League opposition remains to be seen. The jury remains out on both Michy Batshuayi and Olivier Giroud, with all three still needing to put forward their own case to be “the man.”
This has been a good preseason for Chelsea fans, particularly off the field. Old faces returning has been refreshing for a fan base divided by buzzwords. However, once 16:30 arrives this Sunday, all bets are off and the copybook is clean. It’s a new season and a time to move on for all.
Well, almost…
Maurizio Sarri’s departing legacy is satisfyingly ironic, for someone who “didn’t get a full preseason” last time around.
That Europa League win put Chelsea into the final of UEFA’s Super Cup against the Champions League winners. It’s a game that shows who Europe’s real giants are. The Champion of Champions. The winner takes it all.
In reality, it’s the Community Shield on steroids, an inconsequential game more about the governing body than the clubs involved.
What does make it a bit different this season is the opponent: Liverpool FC. Suddenly the game does matter. Just one game into the new season, both clubs and their supporters have to make the trip to Istanbul to play what will effectively be another preseason game neither want to lose.
For Chelsea, this is a bonus game.
A highlight of the 2-2 draw yesterday was the return of N’Golo Kante following a spell on the sidelines, something else we can thank Sarri for. With Kante in the team, Chelsea’s starting XI becomes a starting XII.
Lampard has so far been unable to gauge how the Frenchman will fit into the team in match conditions. Chelsea have conceded 11 goals in the seven games since Lampard became boss. The protection Kante can offer the back four will be invaluable as the upcoming season progresses and goals against really will be just that.
The chances are the little Frenchman won’t start the first Premier League game, with Lampard not wanting to risk one of his star players right as the season starts. However, the game the following Wednesday, whilst inconvenient, will allow Kante solid integration time. It may also be a good game to really give the kids their chance to shine against top-four opposition.
Super Frank may look at experience over youth for his first competitive league game, but the cup that shares his prefix… well who cares.
With preseason all wrapped up and the real hard work about to begin, Chelsea head into a season like no other. The team have the chance to start this campaign as they ended the last: with a European trophy.
Perhaps more important, though, is the 90 minutes of game time afforded to those who really need to test themselves in Lampard’s system. And for that, we must thank Maurizio Sarri.