Chelsea continue life under Enzo Maresca when they meet Celtic in Indiana in the next step of their US tour this evening.
The Blues got their latest new era off to a fairly underwhelming start earlier this week in a feisty 2-2 draw in California against third-tier opposition in Wrexham, albeit not too much can be drawn from pre-season games – particularly this early into the summer.
Still, some of the problems Mauricio Pochettino endured in playing out from the back were evident again during Maresca’s first game in charge, with mistakes leading to both Wrexham goals.
The Italian was proud of elements of his team’s performance but few would doubt huge improvements can – and surely will – be made.
Reigning Scottish champions Celtic, meanwhile, beat Manchester City 4-3 in midweek after thrashing DC United 4-0 to start their tour in emphatic fashion. While there is a huge gulf in resources, Brendan Rodgers’s side are much further along in their preparations and will no doubt provide a stern test as they gear up for their season opener next week.
