Newly emerged footage captures the Chelsea players as they exit the tunnel before their match against Luton Town.
A distinct change from last season is evident in their demeanor and approach. Under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, the team secured a 3-0 victory against the newly-promoted Luton side, a result that marked Pochettino’s first win of the season.
This triumph came after their previous defeat to West Ham. While the fans applauded the players’ performance on the field, it was the pre-match rituals that garnered attention.
The unseen footage showcases the team waiting in the tunnel before kickoff, with new signing Robert Sanchez energetically motivating his teammates. The video captures the team’s unity and the positive atmosphere within the squad.
Robert Sanchez is a proper leader 🔥 pic.twitter.com/V5zKPjYsCD
— 𝓔𝓕8 🇦🇷 (@CFCLamps_) August 27, 2023
Sanchez, who joined Chelsea from Brighton for a reported fee of £25 million earlier this month, was heard shouting words of encouragement.
“Heads in the game from minute one, come on,” he shouted. “Are you ready boys? Come on, let’s go!” Ben Chilwell could also be heard encouraging his teammates as they walked on to the pitch.
The players’ behaviour is a stark contrast from last season when the players were filmed walking out of the tunnel at Stamford Bridge in total silence and seemingly devoid of enthusiasm ahead of their 1-0 defeat to Southampton.
The video went viral for all the wrong reasons as fans ripped into both the players and former manager Graham Potter for their lack of leadership – a problem Sanchez looks to have solved.
Speaking after their win over Luton, Chelsea boss Pochettino said: “In the Premier League, if the intensity is not there, it’s difficult to win games. Today, it was key to match the energy of Luton.
“This project is to create a team with energy and quality and to have the capacity to challenge the big teams like Liverpool and Manchester City.”