Chelsea round off what has been a difficult preseason campaign this evening with a friendly against Serie A side Udinese. After an uncertain start to the summer, Thomas Tuchel has overseen yet more problems since returning to duty, questioning the commitment of some of his players following the 4-0 loss to Arsenal in Orlando.
The Premier League season opener is only days away now and questions remain over some key players at Stamford Bridge. Cesar Azpilicueta is keen on a move to Barcelona, while Timo Werner has hinted at an exit.
Still, there are genuine footballing matters to deal with first. Torn apart by Arsenal, Tuchel needs to get his side in shape before they travel to Everton next weekend. Start the season with a loss and perhaps the kind of malaise that set in during the back end of his last campaign will define how his team start the fresh one. Follow all of the action with Standard Sport’s LIVE match blog below!
Live updates
CHANCE FOR CHELSEA!
54:00 – Sterling tries a backheel but it’s blocked by a defender with the goalkeeper nowhere to be seen!
CHANCE FOR CHELSEA
51:00 – Super turn from Kante leads to a shot, although it’s well-saved.
Slight injury concern
49:00 – A worry as Kai Havertz hobbles off holding his shoulder but, luckily, the German is back in action.
Back underway!
Here we go!
GOAL! Udinese 1-2 Chelsea | Gerard Deulofeu ‘42
42:00 – Mendy pushes Perrerya’s shot straight into Deulofeu’s path and the former Watford man taps into an empty net.
Chelsea expert Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea have reacted after a poor run of pre-season matches in the United States with a brilliant first 30 minutes away at Udinese.
Their intensity has returned in Italy after Tuchel criticised them for a lack of commitment after the 4-0 loss to Arsenal in Orlando, adding that he was worried his side wouldn’t be ready to face Everton.
The squad had Sunday and Monday off after the match, with the coaching staff searching for solutions as their players reset after a hot and humid tour across the Atlantic.
It has been a tough week of double sessions back at Cobham Training Centre and Chelsea now look far more ready to take on Everton in their opening Premier League match.
GOAL! Udinese 0-2 Chelsea | Raheem Sterling ‘37
37:00 – Played in by Jorginho, Sterling dummies the ‘keeper and shoots, although the ball deflects back off him and into the back of the net.
Brilliant defending from Koulibaly
36:00 – Delefeuo (remember him?!) is seemingly clear through on goal but brilliant defending, and a very scary lookng challenge, from Koulibaly stops him in his tracks.
