Azpilicueta promises to do better after error-strewn debacle against Manchester United

What can only be described as a disappointing start to the 2019-20 season, Chelsea endured a heavy 4-0 defeat last night at Old Trafford. It’s certainly not how we imagined Frank Lampard’s first game in charge might go, even if the lopsided score does not really tell the full story of the match where Chelsea were the “better” side for most of the game.

But, a loss is still a loss. And captain César Azpilicueta was just as disappointed with the result as everyone else.

“We’re obviously very disappointed with the result because we controlled the game, especially in the first half, and created a lot of chances but we couldn’t score.

“It’s a tough scoreline to take but we weren’t clinical in the boxes, and after we conceded two goals in two minutes, things were more difficult for us. From that point, we were more open and gave them more spaces, they got more confidence and at the end we got a tough result. We deserved more, but it is what it is and we have to move on.”

For all of Chelsea’s good play, it were the mistakes in every phase of the game that defined the outcome. Azpilicueta himself had one of his worst days in office, turning the ball over at an alarming rate, while the media were quick to jump on Chelsea’s young players after their less than immediately successful trial by fire.

Captain Azpi, as he has done all summer, was quick to back the youngsters and is promising better days ahead.

“We trust in them, and they are here because they deserve to be here. They are fighting in every training session, and now we have a massive opportunity to create a fantastic group.

“Everyone would like to start the season in a better way, but we have to learn from every game and come back stronger.”

There’s clearly room (and need) for plenty of improvement, both on an individual and team level. We don’t have much time, but we do have some. Super Cup distraction aside, the focus will now be on next weekend, and the home opener against Leicester City.

“Chelsea always fight for everything, so when we don’t win then we know there will be more and more questions around us, but we have to cope with it.

“We have to learn from the game, we know that we can improve and we have to take our responsibilities. There is a trophy to fight for on Wednesday against a good team so we have to be ready for it.”

-César Azpilicueta; source: Chelsea FC

Okay, fine, Super Cup first.