"The most important thing is the process" - Chelsea star reacts after surprise 4-1 loss to Celtic in pre-season
New Chelsea signing Renato Veiga has called for calm from all quarters after the Blues succumbed to a 4-1 defeat against Celtic in a friendly on July 27. The Portugal U-21 international made his debut for the club as a late substitute as they lost to the Scottish champions.
Chelsea are preparing for a new era under Enzo Maresca, but preparations have not gone as expected thus far. The Blues needed a late goal to salvage a 2-2 draw against Wrexham in their first game before losing comprehensively against Celtic on Saturday.
Maresca's side have signed a number of players this summer, one of whom is versatile defender-cum-midfielder Veiga. The 20-year-old didn't get a chance to play against Wrexham but came on in the second half of the defeat against Celtic.
Veiga spoke with the press after the game, sharing his thoughts on how pre-season has gone so far for Chelsea. He used the opportunity to allay the fears of the fans, saying that the players would be ready for their Premier League opener. He said (via Daily Mail);
"In every football game you want to win. Chelsea especially has to win every game. But we are in pre-season.
"The most important thing is the process, the connection between each other. When the time comes (to play the first Premier League game versus Manchester City) on August 18, that is when it counts and when we have to win for sure."
Veiga replaced Levi Colwill in the closing stages at the Notre Dame Stadium with Enzo Maresca's side already 4-0 down. The youngster showed glimpses of his quality on the ball as he attempted to push his side forward in the dying minutes.
Chelsea eventually managed to score a consolation goal, with Christopher Nkunku finding the net from the penalty spot in the 89th minute.
Chelsea signing reveals desire to impress in Stamford Bridge debut
New Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has said that he hopes to have a memorable debut at Stamford Bridge. The former Leicester City man expects to be available when the Blues face Inter Milan in their final friendly on August 11.
Dewsbury-Hall has yet to appear for the club after moving from Leicester City this summer. The Englishman appears to be carrying an injury, which has prevented him from making his debut thus far. He told the club's website that he looks forward to playing at home and helping the side win the game.
He said:
"I can’t wait, I’ve played at Stamford Bridge a couple of times now. It’s an unbelievable ground, one of my favorite to play at. I’ve not had the best of luck there when I’ve played, but I’m hoping I’ll be on the winning end now most of the time playing for Chelsea. It’s a fantastic stadium and the crowd are so loud when they get going. As a player that’s exactly where you want to be.
"Hopefully, come that Inter Milan game, we’ve got a full stadium and we can put on a show for the fans because a week after that it’s the start of the Premier League season. It’s a final test to show people where we are at and take it into the new season."
Dewsbury-Hall will likely take to the pitch alongside fellow summer additions Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Guiu, both of whom have impressed. The Blues will face Club America, Manchester City, and Real Madrid in the US before hosting Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge.