Chelsea won their last pre-season friendly yesterday in a goal-rich exhibition over Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, and the Blues manager Antonio Conte had both brickbats and bouquets to deliver for the players after the match.
Eden Hazard and Oscar were on the score-sheet after just 10 minutes of play, with both goals top class. Former Blue Claudio Pizarro got one back for the hosts, but Diego Costa’s finish late in the half settled the first period very well in Chelsea’s favour.
On the second half Chelsea were knocked down again with a goal from Lennart Thy, but Pedro’s lovely finish from Michy Batshuayi’s pass made it 4-2 for Chelsea in the dying minutes of the game.
Conte spoke to the press after the match, and was ultimately happy with the performance, Chelsea’s official website reports.
It was a good victory. We’ve finished our pre-season, it was very tough and hard in all aspects and we must be pleased to finish with a win.
It’s important to win for confidence ahead of the start of the season. The team started the game in the right way and with the right intensity. There were some bad situations to concede two goals which I didn’t like, we must improve a lot, but we were tired after our pre-season.
We are working very hard to be ready. It will be difficult. We know we have some problems but we are trying to solve them.
I am pleased with the attitude and behaviour of my players. It’s been good and now all of the players need a rest.
Conte believes a lot went down for fatigue yesterday, as the preparation for the upcoming season hasn’t been easy for players.
Chelsea will kick off the season in a week against London rivals West Ham, and Conte is determined to solve the problems taken into account during this summer – both in the defence and offense.
Today I saw some situations that we are trying during the training session. I want to play with high intensity, to win the ball back very soon after we lose it, to attack with the right balance.
I saw positive things and many situations that we can improve. We are working on this. Now remains one week of work before the season starts.
Chelsea have been able to capture two great signings this summer – Michy Batshuayi and N’Golo Kante – but even though the biggest problem seems to be the defence, the club are yet to announce a new defender, as they have only let go of one, Baba Rahman.
