Chelsea-Newcastle: The Blues’ lunar image as they encircle the referee before kickoff with a hug from Cole Palmer
The image is at least surprising. A few minutes before the match kickoff against Newcastle on Saturday, the Chelsea players gathered together at the center circle to motivate themselves, three days after the heavy defeat against PSG in the Champions League (5-2). Nothing scandalous so far, except that Paul Tierney found himself in the middle of this gathering for a lunar scene. Cole Palmer even allowed himself to hug the referee.
“The idea comes from the players, and I like that a lot because they show unity, solidarity and team spirit, and I think that’s essential. First of all – even before talking about tactics or systems – you need a group of players ready to run and fight for each other,” Liam Rosenior explained about this ritual of the Blues, initiated by the players.
Mission of redemption
Defeated by PSG in the Champions League, Chelsea must get back on track against Newcastle. This match at Stamford Bridge is both additional pressure and an opportunity to regain their composure. All the more so, since the fight for European places is in full swing in the Premier League between Manchester United (3rd, 51 points), Aston Villa (4th, 51 points), Chelsea (5th, 48 points) and Liverpool (6th, 48 points).