Real Madrid 2-1 Chelsea - the fans' verdictpublished at 16:30 7 August
We asked for your thoughts after Chelsea's pre-season defeat by Real Madrid.
Here are some of your comments:
Justice: The leaky defence from last season continues. Might take signing a new solid centre-back and some tactical drills to fix it. Chelsea also need a top striker like Osimhen. Nothing yet to say for or against the coach from what I have seen so far. But it will take at least the first 10 games to gel the team and get them playing well from the back.
Jefferson: So disappointed, I was looking forward to seeing a different approach with Maresca in charge. Seems like we're headed for more mediocrity in the Premier League once again.
David: The reality is that Chelsea are not the team they were and having a Championship manager says it all. It's going to be a long hard season.
Darryl: I have been a Chelsea supporter for 70 years and apart from when we were relegated, I cannot think of a worst time than what we are going through. One win out of five in pre-season friendlies does not bode well for this coming season. Nobody seems to know how to fix this awful problem. Is the new manager the man to do it? Who knows.
Paul: Chelsea are far to easy to unpick at the back. If they lose the first few games of the season, which on present form seems likely, then confidence amongst this young and inexperienced team will plummet. I think their success or failure stands on a knife's edge. What will the owners do if we fail to qualify for Europe, or win any trophies?
John: I can't believe Maresca is trying to blame previous managers for the defensive frailties and high line. He picks the players and dictates the tactics!