Five from training: Veiga gets to work

The second week of pre-season continued in earnest at Cobham today and there was a new face involved in the double sessions.

It is now only just over a week until our first competitive action of the summer when we meet Wrexham in Santa Clara. That game is on Wednesday 24 July and you can be there!

At Cobham today our latest acquisition Renato Veiga got down to work with Enzo Maresca and his new Chelsea team-mates.

‘I’m a smart, aggressive player,’ Veiga explained in his first interview with us.

‘I’m comfortable on the ball and I would describe myself as a complete player due to my versatility. I’m comfortable in many positions on the pitch.

‘I wouldn’t say I have a favourite position because it depends on the opponent or tactical elements, but I have played at left-back, centre-back and as a defensive midfielder,’ continued Veiga.

‘I like to defend a lot and with my height and physical strength, I enjoy it. I like to control the game with or without the ball.’

Veiga has started to understand Maresca’s football philosophy, and our head coach was as instructive as ever during those parts of the sessions that took place out on the grass.

Meanwhile in the gym, the players were tested on their jumping ability, with Christopher Nkunku making a late bid to earn a place in the French Olympic team ahead of Paris 2024, which starts later this month!

The players were just as competitive participating in a different sporting challenge, although they didn’t hesitate in posing for the camera with the long jump over. This set-up bears resemblance to Roberto Di Matteo and co’s legendary celebration after the Italian’s late winner against Middlesbrough in August 1996!