Chelsea 'broke rules' in Mauricio Pochettino's first game in charge

Chelsea broke rules in Mauricio Pochettino's first game in charge as they ran out 5-0 winners over Wrexham.

The Blues played their first game of pre-season and took on the National League champions in the Florida Cup in front of more than 50,000 fans at the Kenan Memorial Stadium in North Carolina.

Youngster Ian Maatsen bagged a first-half brace, before Conor Gallagher, Christopher Nkunku and Ben Chilwell all struck in the final ten minutes.

It was a comfortable start to proceedings for Chelsea, who have just SIX midfielders with them on their United States tour.

A number of players were left out as they recover from injuries, while Wesley Fofana is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after rupturing his ACL.

Reece James did not travel as a precaution after feeling unwell but Chelsea have now received another injury blow as Trevoh Chalobah, who wore the armband for the game, had trouble with his achilles.

He felt the discomfort late on in the game and that's where Chelsea went all Sunday League. Defender Marc Cucurella played the first half before being substituted but his services were required again five minutes from the off after Chalobah was forced off.

Under professional rules, the Spaniard should not have been able to return to the pitch as there was not a roll-on, roll off regulation in place.

Pochettino confirms that Chalobah felt his 'Achilles' (sounded precautionary) so Cucurella came back on. The officials and Wrexham were both happy with the situation to bring on a player who was subbed off. #CFC

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) July 20, 2023

But because there was an injury, an exception was made and seemingly agreed on by Wrexham and the officials.

Speaking afterwards to the media, Pochettino clarified: "Chalobah felt his Achilles and we wanted to play with 11 rather than 10. That was it."

Pochettino was pleased with the first outing from his side and praised the young players who performed well. 18-year-old Angelo Gabriel made a huge impression in his 45 minutes on the pitch.

"I am happy with all. [In front of] 50,000 people or more, always this is difficult for them first game pre-season, the conditions, you can feel it was hot," said Pochettino.

"We will see what happens in the next few weeks and when we come back to England we will decide the future of these young players who maybe have future here or sometime can maybe be part of the squad. For sure great potential."

Even though it was a friendly, Pochettino was furious with the referee at the end of the first-half when he blew the whistle while Chelsea were on the attack.

The Argentine darted on the pitch to remonstrate and Chelsea fans loved his passion.

The Blues return to action on Sunday when they take on Brighton at Lincoln Financial Field in the Premier League Summer Series.