After all the drama involving Enzo Maresca and Chelsea last season, it seems as if Trevoh Chalobah also shares the same view on pre-season.
A fixture schedule and a punishing crisis of physical exhaustion completely derailed Chelsea’s turbulent last season. Beginning their campaign a mere 35 days after their gruelling Club World Cup run in New Jersey, the Blues endured their shortest summer break in club history.
This total lack of recovery time took a devastating toll on a remarkably young squad, especially when fighting on all fronts, in the Champions League and cup competitions.
Despite managing a commendable run to the FA Cup final under interim leadership, Chelsea’s lack of consistency saw them slump to a disappointing 10th-place finish in the Premier League.
However, with no European football and Xabi Alonso at the helm, there’s the opportunity to go into the new season completely refreshed.
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Trevoh Chalobah points to fatigue at the Club World Cup
Despite beating Paris Saint-Germain to lift the trophy in the summer, Trevoh Chalobah still points towards the Chelsea players being fatigued due to barely any break in between seasons (as per Chelsea).
“The Club World Cup was a good tournament, if difficult. In terms of fatigue, we were tired coming straight from a busy season, but it was different and a good experience.
“Playing good teams and getting to the final was something big, then playing arguably the best team in Europe and winning 3-0 was special. Another trophy to add to the cabinet. The boys were amazing. It was a good experience for not just me, but also my family.”
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Enzo Maresca raised the same issue at Chelsea
After leaving Chelsea in January, Enzo Maresca gave an interview later on in the year about the fatigue and issues that the Blues ran into after such a gruelling summer.
“What do I think about the fact that we play too much? Either you adapt, or you don’t train, or you don’t play a player. The reality is that there are more and more games: with Chelsea playing in the Club World Cup, we didn’t take holidays, retirement, everything is a consequence.
“A few days ago, a FIFA study came out that indicated Chelsea and PSG as the teams with the most injuries, coincidentally, the finalists of the World Cup. In short, either you adapt, or you struggle.”
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