Chelsea in July: Four pre-season friendlies as Pochettino looks to make his mark next term

The 2022-23 campaign was a massive disappointment for Chelsea as they finished outside the top ten in the Premier League. 

That was absolutely appalling considering they spent over $600 million on new recruits since Todd Boehly became their new owner. 

The Blues made an indifferent start to the new season under manager Thomas Tuchel and he was quickly replaced by Graham Potter. 

However, Potter couldn’t revive the club’s fortunes despite being given plenty of time. 

He was ultimately sacked in April, with his team languishing in 11th position at that time. 

If Chelsea fans expected improvement under interim boss Frank Lampard, they were left sorely disappointed. 

They finished 12th – their first bottom-half finish since the 1995/96 campaign. 

Mauricio Pochettino has now been handed the reins at Stamford Bridge and is expected to turn the club’s fortunes around.

They have got rid of several unwanted players in the summer transfer window, while Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson have arrived at the club.

Chelsea pre-season friendlies

Pochettino’s squad will jet off to the United States to begin their pre-season fixtures in July.

• July 19: Chelsea vs Wrexham – Kenan Stadium, North Carolina
• July 22: Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
• July 26: Newcastle United vs Chelsea – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
• July 30: Chelsea vs Fulham – FedExField, Maryland
• August 2: Chelsea vs Borussia Dortmund – Soldier Field, Chicago