Mauricio Pochettino’s decisions during Chelsea’s final match of their US pre-season tour against Borussia Dortmund provided fans with insights ahead of the upcoming season.
Pochettino opted for a strong starting XI against the German club, resulting in a closely contested match where both teams held their ground.
The balance was eventually disrupted when Marius Wolf capitalized on a scramble within the 18-yard box, netting a goal after Kepa Arrizabalaga cleared a corner.
Young striker Mason Burstow made his mark by equalizing for Chelsea in the 89th minute, securing his first senior goal and concluding the Blues’ pre-season tour without a defeat for the first time since 2012.
Pochettino drops XI hint
Pochettino confirmed to the media that the starting 11 yesterday could be on the field when the team line up against Liverpool in the season’s opening game.
“This was about giving 90 minutes to the team in my head that I plan to play because the season is only 10 days away,” he said via Sun Sport.
Many factors could influence the XI’s choice, including new signings and injuries, as new winger Christopher Nkunku limped off injured in 20 minutes.
Evening Standard reported that Poch did not give full details and only hoped it was not serious.
The Athletic reported that the Blues have agreed to a £25m deal plus add-ons for Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, which could also influence the choice of the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Fans also got a hint that Reece James has possibly been named the next captain after wearing the armband while Thiago Silva was on the pitch.
Both players left the pitch in the 73rd minute for Bashir Humphreys and Malo Gusto.
James hints he’s next captain
Sports Brief reported that Reece James dropped a hint he is the next skipper after uploading a video on social media detailing his journey at the club from the academy days till the point he wore the armband in pre-season.
The academy star lifted the PL Summer Series trophy alongside Silva and yet again shared a message to fans in what could be described as his first as captain.