Thomas Tuchel has the luxury of playing around with a number of ideas during Chelsea's pre-season campaign. With an array of attacking options and a long-anticipated addition to the defence, fans are excited to see their new team back in action. I will be looking forward to their next pre-season match against Charlotte this evening.
There are a number of things that need to happen for fans, including myself, to be confident in the squad that Tuchel takes into the upcoming season.
Firstly, maybe avoid scoring own goals as much as possible. Reece James comically scored his own goal in Chelsea's first game against Club America at the weekend. It came as a shock to many, including himself, as a back pass to Marcus Bettinelli ended up in the back of the net. You have to make light of such situations during pre-season - especially knowing the kind of quality James possesses regularly.
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Raheem Sterling is yet to play for the Blues, and fans are anticipating his impact on the team. Could the Chelsea boss treat us to a substantial amount of minutes for his new attacking option?
Change in Formation
Rumours have suggested that Tuchel is looking to explore a back four formation in the new season. Sterling's integration could have something to do with this. Chelsea used the 4-3-3 and 4-2-2-2 formations a few times last season, which unlocked another creative dimension in front of goal.
It was particularly encouraging to see Hakim Ziyech thrive effortlessly in these formations. Despite being linked with a move away to AC Milan, it'll be nice to see Ziyech back in this element to assess whether a departure is a proactive decision for the club. We could also see Callum Hudson-Odoi deployed on that right-wing, switching play with Sterling left and Werner through the middle. An absolute dream attack in terms of pace.
A four at the back would most likely allow for a more free-flowing attack, with Mason Mount playing in a deeper 8 role with Conor Gallagher as another choice from midfield for the second half. Tuchel will need to figure out the best trio to play in front of them - and this is the best way to do so.
More minutes for the youth
Ethan Ampadu and Levi Colwill still remain with the first team squad as Billy Gilmour, Harvey Vale, and Tino Anjorin joined the Development squad instead. Armando Broja has reportedly flown back to England in hopes of completing a move to West Ham on a permanent deal, but Tuchel has said it's due to him getting treatment on his ankle injury. With the four departing before playing a pre-season minute to impress, they may not be in Tuchel's plans for next season. Fans are growing restless and want answers on the fate of the youth.
Chelsea have never really been the team to give their youth mass amount of opportunity to join the first team, but recent years have shown otherwise. Last season, Trevoh Chalobah, to the surprise of many, made it into Tuchel's team and became an important figure for Chelsea's campaign.
The same can happen for Ampadu and Colwill. Ampadu has already expressed his desire to play for Chelsea this season after a string of loans and was gifted a chance to impress against Club America. Colwill has been hit with injury but is expected to return for the friendly against Charlotte. Minutes for both young prospects would be appreciated - not just because they deserve it, but because Colwill especially could find a new club if he feels Tuchel gives him a reason to.
Conor Gallagher got a chance in the first half against Club America and was the star of the first half with his lovely pass to Havertz missed.
Goals, lots of them.
I cannot be the only Chelsea fan that is craving an unnatural amount of goals to be scored in one game. Maybe a 10-0 scoreline is far from feasible for a match against a newly founded club, but the Blues obtain the quality that is simply unmatched by their American opposition.
A less pressurised game with a lot of goals will do well for the player's confidence and fan confidence going into the London Derby on Sunday. Chelsea will have their first big test against Arsenal in the Florida Cup and will need some confidence going into it.
Although I must mention Charlotte are now half way through a MLS season and will be a lot more match fit so fitness levels may be tested.
Havertz and Michy Batshuayi were gifted several chances to plant their names on the score sheet against Club America last week but failed to convert them. Timo Werner and Mason Mount would be expected to be on the score sheet again, but I also expect Sterling, Havertz, and Batshuayi to add to the tally.
It's not an impossible ask, is it?
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