Chelsea go into EPL opener without a pre-season win

Chelsea pre-season campaign ended in defeat against Fiorentina but Jose Mourinho was able to hand much-needed minutes to virtually all of his squad, which was very important for the team and  the youngsters.

New arrival Asmir Begovic starts in goal for the Blues, John Terry captains the side alongside Kurt Zouma in central defence.

Radamel Falcao operating as the lone striker, with Victor Moses, Oscar and Juan Cuadrado while the youngsters Ola Aina, Bertrand Traore and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are also given a chance to impress.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek partners John Mikel Obi in midfield with the width provided by Victor Moses and Bertrand Traore. Juan Cuadrado, meanwhile, who is playing against his former club, is tasked with providing the creativity

Chelsea dominate possession but fail to convert their opportunities.

And Fiorentina’s Gonzalo Rodriguez’s close-range finish after 34 minutes proved decisive.

A strong bench containing the likes of Branislav Ivanovic, Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard is a strong indication Mourinho was likely to make a number of changes when the EPL begins on Saturday.

The club will go into Saturday’s clash against Swansea without a single win during pre-season.

They Blues have played five friendlies, with two draws and three losses, apart from the 1-0 loss to London rivals Arsenal in the Community Shield.

But as Jose Mourinho will stress to his players, the important business starts at the weekend.