Enzo Maresca’s first pre-season in charge of Chelsea has not started off too well as his side suffered a humiliating 4-1 loss to Scottish champions Celtic.
The Italian coach moved to Stamford Bridge over the summer after one campaign in charge of Leicester City, whom he led back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Maresca has succeeded Mauricio Pochettino in West London and has now taken Chelsea to the United States for their pre-season tour.
However, the two games played so far in the States have not exactly gone to plan, with Chelsea drawing 2-2 against League One side Wrexham in Santa Clara.
And overnight in Notre Dame, Chelsea were thrashed 4-1 by Scottish side Celtic.
Brendan Rodgers’ side raced into a 2-0 lead by half-time thanks to goals from Matt O’Riley and Kyogo Furuhashi.
Luis Palma netted a third in the last quarter of an hour, with Mikey Johnston scoring Celtic’s fourth shortly afterwards.
Christopher Nkunku scored from the penalty spot for what proved to be nothing more than a late consolation for the Premier League side.
Chelsea have three more friendlies Stateside against Mexican side Club America, Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Their final pre-season outing is against Inter Milan, before beginning the Premier League campaign at Stamford Bridge in mid-August against City.
Celtic’s third goal, scored by Palma, came following a mix-up in the Chelsea defence between goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and Benoit Badiashile.
The latter’s short pass went straight to Palma who slotted past Sanchez.
Following Badiashile’s error, some fans on social media suggested it could be time to part company with the France international.
One wrote: “Badiashile always gives the ball away in dangerous areas. He did it multiple times last season and he has started this season.”
Another Chelsea fan posted: “Can’t believe we are going to sell Chalobah and keep Badiashile.”
Another supporter wrote: “Nice pass lol what a defence.”
One sarcastic supporter said: “You’re telling me Badiashile is no good with the ball at his feet. Who knew.”
One fan simply said: “Badiashile is fundamentally bad at football.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty/X @centregoals
Topics: Celtic, Chelsea, Enzo Maresca, Fan Reactions, Football