Following Chelsea’s underwhelming draw to Wrexham, their preseason slump dramatically worsened with a 4-1 defeat to Celtic. As Maresca continues to integrate his tactical system, many key facets of the team must undergo significant improvements.
Four Facets of Chelsea’s Game That Must Improve
Leaky High Line
Arguably the most apparent weakness that was exploited in Chelsea’s defeat to Celtic was their extremely leaky high backline. Deploying a high line can be very effective to press aggressively and win the ball back high up the pitch, but it can also be risky by allowing the opposition freedom behind. The latter was on display in Celtic’s thrashing of Chelsea’s backline.
Celtic constantly found space in behind Chelsea’s backline to exploit. The blues defenders constantly failed to track runners in behind as epitomized in Celtic’s last breakaway goal. Furthermore, the structure of the backline throughout the game looked very disjointed. The right centre half was instructed to aggressively man-mark up the pitch, resulting in acres of free real estate for Celtic to take advantage of if the press failed. Maresca must sort out his backline or else they will continue to concede far too many goals.
Vulnerable Transition Phase
In addition to a leaky high line, Chelsea were susceptible in the transition phase. Ironically, Maresca’s system theoretically prioritises strength in this phase, so Chelsea’s vulnerability in their defeat to Celtic is especially concerning.
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Chelsea were far too easy to play through whenever they lost the ball which emphasized their weakness in transition. Celtic were also easily capable of bypassing Chelsea’s disjointed press, further accentuating off-the-ball concerns. On top of that, the Stamford Bridge club were often too stretched and not compact enough in transition, allowing their Scottish opponents freedom to exploit the middle of the pitch. Systematic growing pains were expected, but the extent to which they are occurring is alarming.
Lack of End Product
Some things never seem to change for the Premier League club. Alongside extensive injuries, the number one example of such sentiment is the team’s lacklustre end product. Despite the magnitude of chances Chelsea creates, they always encounter difficulties converting their opportunities. Their defeat to Celtic once again exemplified trouble in front of goal.
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Chelsea had countless chances to pull one back against Celtic but consistently failed to execute. While the scoreline rightfully reflects a lopsided game, Chelsea could have ironically made it a closer contest by putting away some of their guilt edge opportunities. Maybe their underwhelming finishing could be due to the squad’s inexperience, but if they want to return to Champions League football, they must start finishing in front of goal.
Sloppy Giveaways
Simply put, Chelsea had too many sloppy giveaways. In particular, Celtic’s third goal was a gift served on a silver platter from Benoit Badiashile in his own box. As players continue to dust off the preseason cobwebs, this issue will likely subdue, but it is troublesome nevertheless.
