Chelsea will begin the 2024-25 season with Enzo Maresca at the helm following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure by mutual consent after just one year in charge. Under Pochettino, the Blues finished the 2023-24 Premier League season in sixth place. They also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup and finished as runners-up in the Carabao Cup to Liverpool.
European Competition
The team will compete in the Europa Conference League play-off round this season, having failed to qualify for the Europa League after Manchester United’s FA Cup victory. This marks a significant shift in the club’s European aspirations, highlighting the importance of the upcoming season under Maresca’s leadership.
Pre-Season Fixtures
Chelsea 2024 Pre-Season Schedule
– Wed, Jul 24: Chelsea vs Wrexham, 10:30pm ET (3:30am BST), Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
– Sat, Jul 27: Chelsea vs Celtic, 4pm ET (9pm BST), Notre Dame Stadium, Indiana
– Wed, Jul 31: Chelsea vs Club America, 7:30pm ET (00:30am BST), Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
– Sat, Aug 3: Chelsea vs Manchester City, 5:30pm ET (10:30pm BST), Ohio Stadium, Columbus
– Tue, Aug 6: Chelsea vs Real Madrid, 7pm ET (00:00am BST), Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
– Sun, Aug 11: Chelsea vs Inter, 3pm BST (10am ET), Stamford Bridge, London
Pre-Season Tour in the United States
Chelsea will once again travel to the United States for their pre-season tour, having made similar visits over the past two years. The tour includes five high-profile matches, beginning with a game against Wrexham on July 24 in California. This will be followed by fixtures against Celtic, Club America, Manchester City, and Real Madrid. The tour concludes with a home match at Stamford Bridge against Inter on August 11.
Ticket Information and Broadcast Details
Fans eager to catch the Blues in action during the pre-season can find ticket information on the club’s official website. The games will also be broadcast live, providing an opportunity for supporters around the world to watch the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Chelsea’s 2024-25 pre-season tour offers a blend of challenging fixtures and strategic preparation under new manager Enzo Maresca. With significant changes in the squad and management, this pre-season is crucial for the Blues as they aim to bounce back from a mixed 2023-24 campaign. The tour in the United States will not only help the team build fitness and cohesion but also gauge their readiness for the competitive season ahead.