Chelsea vs. PSG: 6 Things We Learned from Preseason Friendly
By (Correspondent) on July 23, 2012
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Chelsea managed to earn a draw against Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday night at Yankee Stadium.
The Blues didn't play well in the first half, but Roberto Di Matteo's side turned things around after the break to share the spoils. The game was somewhat entertaining, but with so many substitutes and a lack of cohesion, it was still clearly a friendly.
Nevertheless, there's still plenty to learn.
Chemistry Will Be Big for Chelsea
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Chelsea need to start developing on-field chemistry soon.
Sure, the lineup was a little mixed and matched, but Roberto Di Matteo needs to be able to rely on a select group of players. Moreover, those players need to play well together.
Chelsea's first half was brutal. They seemed lost and lethargic, which won't be acceptable once the season starts. Granted, the pitch was a little smaller than the Blues are used to. Even so, that shouldn't affect their attitude, which seemed predominantly negative in the first half.
Friendlies Can Be Tough to Watch
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Sometimes, friendlies just aren't fun to watch.
The first half was very one-sided, and the second half was somewhat confusing. The teams combined for a dozen half-time changes, and it didn't even matter. After a little while, fans realized that new players were on the pitch, and it was fine.
There was no flow to the game, and other than brief moments, it was relatively dull. This match was just another reminder that the club season isn't quite here yet.
David Luiz and Gary Cahill Aren't Ready to Play Together
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In the first half, Chelsea's back four just didn't seem stable.
With David Luiz and Gary Cahill playing together, it seemed like there was no authority. Both of them are good young defenders, but neither seemingly wanted to take charge. If this is the partnership of the future, one of them needs to do this.
The back needs to be better organized. If not, time and again, Petr Cech will be hung out to dry. There's time to fix the defense, but someone (other than John Terry) must show some leadership.
Chelsea Fans Travel Well
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Chelsea fans are somewhat maligned for being glory chasers, but that isn't necessarily true.
The Blues are the second most successful English club of the last decade (or so). They win trophies on a consistent basis, and the fans have seemingly become spoiled. With that said, the fans are passionate and intelligent, as far as fans go.
Chelsea's fans traveled well once again, and it is clear that the Blues are one of the most popular football clubs in the world.
PSG Will Be a Force
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I wouldn't want to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier Pastore are dynamite in the midfield. Meanwhile, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva strengthening the squad up front and at the back, PSG is without doubt a complete team.
Depth could be an issue, as could their lack of experience together. With that said, those are three of the most underrated stars in Europe (excluding Zlatan). Make no mistake, clubs will be put to the test against this French side.
John Terry Is Still a Hero
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John Terry is Mr. Chelsea for a reason.
In his first game since being found not guilty of racial abuse, Terry received a huge ovation from the New York crowd. The Chelsea fans were in full voice, and it was never more obvious than when their captain entered the game.
Terry has overcome adversity before, but this story seemed to make people doubt him (myself included). The innocent verdict liberates Terry from any potential animosity from Chelsea fans.
He's not only the best leader of the team, but Terry is the best leader within the club.
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