Chelsea’s return to the Champions League stage was always going to be tested in Munich, against one of Europe’s most seasoned sides. Despite the hostile atmosphere at the Allianz Arena and a Bayern team brimming with experience, Enzo Maresca’s young Blues held their own for long spells, Softfootball reports.
Cole Palmer’s stunning strike on his 100th appearance gave Chelseasome belief heading into half-time break, but Bayern’s quality told in the end as the Blues slipped to a 3-1 defeat. Still, Maresca refused to dwell on the negatives, pointing instead to the lessons his side can take from such a high-level contest.
Even in defeat, Chelsea still took to its official X handle to celebrate star player Cole palmer who reached a landmark 100th appearance for the blue side of London, see exclusive photo below;
Speaking in his post match reaction to the press via the team’s website, the chelsea head coach had alot of praise for his young squad, he said;
I think the players were already aware of how difficult this competition is. You cannot make mistakes in the way we did, but it is a game that I think we can learn a lot from and build something special from this defeat.
For Maresca, the night was not only about the result but about showing that Chelsea belong at this level. Bayern may have had the pedigree, but the Blues showed the fight and flashes of quality to suggest they can grow into the competition, he said;
In terms of experience, between them and us, I think there was a huge difference. Whether it is because of the games they have played in the Champions League or because of the age, it does not matter. But in Munich no doubt we showed that we can compete right away.
I played in this stadium in this competition when I was assistant coach with Sevilla and Man City, so I know how difficult it is to come here and compete. You cannot expect to come to this stadium against this team and try to dominate and control the game for 95 minutes.
So the way we competed for part of the game, we were very good. The mistakes we made are something we can learn from, and I have the feeling that we can build something special from this defeat.
Softfootball understands that while the scoreline was disappointing, Maresca urged patience, stressing that the group stage is long and there is plenty of time for Chelsea to make their mark.
We have seven more games so there are plenty of points left.
The Blues now shift focus to domestic duties with a trip to Manchester United on Saturday a match lovers of football would be excited about as Alejandro Garnacho returns to Old trafford after completing his dramatic switch to Chelsea this summer, before returning to Stamford Bridge for a crucial clash with Benfica, one that could set the tone for the rest of their European campaign.
