Athletic: Chelsea part of new preseason experiment which will have huge effect on next season | OneFootball

The Athletic’s piece about Chelsea’s transfer business this month makes it very clear that moving fast and early is a key part of their strategy for this summer.

It’s also noted that the Blues’ participation in the Club World Cup in the USA at the end of the season between mid June and mid July is affecting their plans too.

It’s already known that Estevao Willian, the most exciting addition of the summer and a player we’ve already been waiting for for over a year, will still be playing with Palmeiras at the tournament.

But others – like new addition from Sporting CP, Dario Essugo, will be available for the Blues. That means that Enzo Maresca will get an unusually early look at his new faces, seeing them in competitive post-season action in June rather than waiting until late July to see them in friendlies.

Perhaps this will bring killer fatigue which ruins causes injuries and ruins our season to come – or perhaps this extra bit of preparation will actually give Maresca and Chelsea an edge on their rivals? The Athletic piece confirms that everyone will get 3 weeks off following the tournament, meaning there will be no time for a traditional preseason. It’s a fascinating reversal of the usual summer formula used by clubs, and nobody yet knows how it will work out.

Chelsea in a whole new world

Packed Chelsea preseason training, group generic.

We expect Chelsea to take the competition very seriously, with a trophy, lots of cash, and plenty of prestige up for grabs. Some players will need a rest after a busy season, but if we go deep into the competition expect to see a full strength team from Enzo Maresca – perhaps even with some new faces in the lineup.

We can’t deny we’re excited – it certainly has a more novel and high profile feel than the Conference League.