Former Chelsea star Gary Cahill has been speaking on why pre-season is so important for both players and the coaching staff.
The Blues are coming to the end of their pre-season tour of America and have their final against Spanish giants Real Madrid on Tuesday.
It’s been a mixed tour to date which has seen Chelsea win one of their opening four games and concede ten goals in the process, but there have been some positives to take.
Cahill on the importance of pre-season
Whilst the Blues clearly haven’t won as many matches as they would have liked, pre-season isn’t about results it’s about getting that sharpness back, building fitness up and in Chelsea’s case adapting to the demands of a new manager.
There were always going to be some teething issues and it’s going to take time for the players to adapt to Enzo Maresca’s style of play given a lot of the squad haven’t played the way they are being asked to before.
However, there have been some positive signs across the four matches to date that the players are starting to get to grips with what’s being asked of them and you can see signs of a clear identity and style of play.
Cahill is no stranger to pre-season having been a professional for 18 years and the ex-Blue is currently in America as one of the club’s ambassadors.
The 38-year-old took time out of his schedule to discuss why pre-season so important for both players and coaching staff.
“Pre-season is a chance for the head coach to work with the whole group at once to get his ideas across,” he told Chelsea’s website.
“There is a lot he can gain from pre-season and it gives him a chance to get to know the players as well. It is a big part of the season.
“Pre-season is a great time for the new signings too because they can integrate with the squad. You are spending all day together at the hotel so it is a great time to have the squad all together.
“Likewise, with the new head coach and all of his staff, it is a chance for them to pass on everything they want to ahead of the new season.”
Next up for Chelsea is Real Madrid before their final pre-season game on Sunday against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge.
