Chelsea started their season in less than favourable circumstances with a draw against Crystal Palace, who are shaping up to be the surprise package of the 2025/26 season.
The Blues ended 2024/25 on a high after struggling for most of its first half. They went on to win the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup and announced themselves as ready to challenge the world once again. However, their opener was against Crystal Palace, who also ended the season on a high and started it as well by defeating the defending champions of England, Liverpool, for the FA Community Shield.
It was a London Derby between two clubs who were flying high, and many expected fireworks. The Eagles, however, shocked many by holding off Chelsea and preventing them from running riot.
The game disappointed a lot of fans and pundits, who expected a lot more from Enzo Maresca and his boys. The Italian tactician, however, defended his team by stating that they did everything right despite not picking up all three points.
“We always try to win the game. Unfortunately, we didn’t win, but overall we deserved [to]” Maresca said to journalists. “We created enough chances in the first half and the second half. Apart from the free-kick, we didn’t concede any [clear-cut] chances.
“But at the same time, we know how tough they are, how well organised they are, and that is why in the last two finals they have beaten Liverpool and Manchester City.”
Journalists then asked if Chelsea’s lack of pre-season preparation, thanks to their participation in the Club World Cup, was what affected them in their season opener.
“I don’t think so,” he replied. “Because until the end, we competed and we tried to win the game. We had some chances at the end with Estevao and Andrey Santos, so that showed that we competed overall quite well.
“For sure, they played seven or eight games and we played two games last weekend where we shared the minutes, so for sure this was the first real game today, but for sure slowly slowly we are going to be better.”
Meanwhile, transfer activity is still in full swing at the club as they are still trying to process the exit of Christopher Nkunku to sign his RB Leipzig replacement, Xavi Simons, as his replacement at Chelsea. This move could be on the brink of collapse following new information that surfaced after their 0 – 0 draw with Crystal Palace on matchday 1 of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
The player’s agent was told by Bayern Munich, the club interested in signing Nkunku, that they want a loan first. However, Chelsea responded through the agent to Bayern that this type of offer would not be entertained. It remains to be seen how they handle his departure as Maresca continues to build his new-look team.
