Chelsea’s 2025 pre-season plans are on the move as the Club World Cup stars return for Stamford Bridge friendlies. Fresh off their triumphant FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States, which concluded on July 13, Chelsea’s first-team stars are set to return to Cobham training ground in early August to begin preparations for the 2025/26 season. Manager Enzo Maresca granted the squad a three-week break to recover from their gruelling 11-month season. The players scheduled to report back around August 4 – just days before their first pre-season fixtures.
Compact Pre-Season Schedule
Unlike most Premier League rivals who embarked on global tours in July, Chelsea’s pre-season will be condensed and locally based:
- Friday, 8 August (19:00 BST): vs. Bayer Leverkusen (Stamford Bridge)
- Sunday, 10 August (15:00 BST): vs. AC Milan (Stamford Bridge)
These matches form the VisitMalta Weekender tournament. Chelsea’s only warm-up games before their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on 17 August. The short schedule is a direct consequence of their extended 2024/25 season, which saw them compete deep into summer.
Why No Summer Season Tour?
Chelsea’s decision to avoid international travel stems from their intense Club World Cup commitment in June and July. As Levi Colwill noted: “Having spent much of June and July in the USA competing in our glorious FIFA Club World Cup campaign, we will be staying close to home for pre-season this year”. The Cobham training facilities provide a controlled environment. This helps Maresca to integrate new signings and refine tactics without jet lag disruptions.
High-Profile Opponents
The selected opponents offer strategic tests:
1. Bayer Leverkusen: Bundesliga runners-up with new manager Erik ten Hag, coming from their own tour of Brazil.
2. AC Milan: Serie A giants with returning coach Massimiliano Allegri. Moreover, they are using London for their last pre-season destination after they had matches in Asia.
These matches will, however, provide the opportunity for new signings João Pedro (forward), Liam Delap (striker), and Jamie Gittens (winger) to make their debuts. The players who signed just before the Club World Cup. Moreover, they will be visiting Stamford Bridge for the first time.
Ticket Information
- Tickets for both games are on general sale (up to four per person). Moreover, there are discounts for members and season ticket holders.
- Prices start at £20 for adults (Leverkusen) and £30 for adults (Milan) in general sale.
- Digital tickets will be issued, and premium “Club Chelsea” hospitality packages remain available.
Strategic Importance for the Season
With just two weeks between the squad’s return and the Premier League kick-off, these friendlies are critical for:
- Player Fitness: Rapid conditioning after the break.
- Tactical Integration: Maresca’s system demands intricate build-up play.
- Squad Assessment: Opportunities for young talents like Kendry Páez and Omari Kellyman to impress.
The Road Ahead
Reflecting the impact of an extended CWC campaign, Chelsea’s pre-season plans are dictated by necessity and pragmatism. The first-team stars, having had a three-week break after returning from America following the success of July 13, will arrive back in Cobham around August 4 for a compacted pre-season. Therefore, the focus is immediately on two marquee friendlies at Stamford Bridge – Bayer Leverkusen (August 8) and AC Milan (August 10) as part of the VisitMalta Weekender.
Chelsea’s very brief preparation time is a legacy of their deep route last season. However, these games provide important functions: rebuilding match fitness at pace; adjusting new incomers João Pedro and Liam Delap; the tactical philosophy of Enzo Maresca; and assessing the emerging players in the squad.
Final Thoughts
With the Premier League restarting against Crystal Palace on August 17, these accelerations, and matches provide the essential bridge from World Champions to potential domestic contenders – requiring maximum focus from players and staff alike during a strange, compressed summer.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
