While many eyes were fixed on Jose Mourinho’s first game in charge of Manchester United, his permanent successor at Chelsea had an altogether more low-key start.
Antonio Conte took his Blues team to Austria to play Rapid Vienna, but things didn’t quite go according to plan.
A strong Chelsea squad lost 2-0 in their first pre-season friendly, with Conte describing the match as ‘difficult’.
A number of first-teamers featured, including Diego Costa, John Terry and Willian, but goals from Joelinton and Tomi made the difference.
Conte: 'Today's game was very difficult, because we have had some very hard training sessions with strength and tactical aspects.' #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 16, 2016
Conte, who took over after leading Italy to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, will be able to welcome back the likes of Thibaut Courtois and new signing Michy Batshuayi as the Blues ramp up their preparation for the 2016/17 season.
N’Golo Kante will also join up with the squad shortly, after his move from Leicester City was confirmed.
Chelsea will play one more game in Austria before heading to the United States for the International Champions Cup.
They will take on Liverpool, Real Madrid and A.C. Milan during their time in the US, with a friendly against CSKA Moscow to follow before they get their Premier League campaign at home to West Ham United.
