Ruben Amorim has delivered a revealing verdict on Chelsea’s pressing after Xabi Alonso’s side produced an emphatic 3-0 victory over AC Milan in Jakarta.
Chelsea controlled Saturday’s friendly and punished Milan through a João Pedro double before Moisés Caicedo completed the scoring.
The result was encouraging. The reaction from the opposition manager was arguably even more interesting.
Speaking to Sky Sport after the game, Amorim admitted Milan knew they would face a difficult examination against Alonso’s Chelsea.
“We knew that we’d struggle a bit today,” Amorim said.
He then highlighted exactly what caused his side problems.
“They know how to defend as a team, play one on one and press high.”
GOAL carries Amorim’s full post-match comments after the Chelsea defeat.
Ruben Amorim notices key Xabi Alonso Chelsea improvement
The pressing comment should particularly please Alonso.
Chelsea have shown plenty of attacking quality throughout pre-season, but creating a reliable structure without the ball is equally important before the Premier League campaign begins.
Against Milan, that work appeared far more coordinated.
Chelsea pressed aggressively when the opportunity was there, protected space behind the first line and repeatedly made Milan uncomfortable when they attempted to build from deeper areas.
Amorim’s assessment provides outside confirmation that those improvements were visible from the opposite technical area too.
The Milan coach also explained that he deliberately wanted to expose his players to a difficult tactical challenge during pre-season rather than protect them from it.
That Chelsea provided such a demanding test is another positive for Alonso.
Pre-season results themselves mean little once competitive football begins. Patterns are more useful.
Chelsea looked organised, aggressive and increasingly comfortable defending as one unit against Milan.
Amorim noticed it too.
