Ben Chilwell only signed for Chelsea 3 seasons ago, but the hectic turnover at the club in that time has meant that he’s already one of the longest serving veterans in the squad now.
His interview with Football London today was really interesting in how it revealed how things had gone in this latest preseason – one which sees Chilwell start a campaign with another new manager in charge.
It seems that Mauricio Pochettino’s training methods are on a level that Chilwell and the rest of the squad haven’t experienced before – and quite right too. This team weren’t fit enough last season, and when combined with their overall lack of team spirit and motivation, that was a recipe for disaster:
“The first week was a bit of a shock for everyone. It reminded me of going back to youth team days when we used to call it getting beasted. It was pretty similar, especially the first week, but I think we all agreed that it was necessary. Our group needed that. Last season we weren’t fit enough, if we’re being honest, so every player in the squad agreed that was what we needed – and it wasn’t just the first week, it’s continued. It will continue for the rest of pre-season. We’re being worked hard and we’re feeling good for it.”
We’re delighted they’re being put through their paces now, and Pochettino and his team’s expertise in terms of physical preparation should set us up perfectly for a far better campaign this time around.
What we need is caicedo