Saturday’s friendly with Borussia Monchengladbach was significant for Andreas Christensen on and off the pitch, and having left satisfied with the way Chelsea fought back into the game against his former club, the defender turned his attention to our Premier League opener against Manchester United.
Christensen spent two very successful years on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach and he had told this website about the danger they would pose. That came to fruition as they went in 2-0 up at half-time, but the Blues dug deep and a pair of penalties secured a draw in our final friendly before the big kick-off.
‘It was a tough first half but we talked in the dressing room at half-time and said we needed a reaction,’ said Christensen.
‘The reaction was good, the second half was better even if we still weren’t at our best.
‘It was difficult to play against, we felt that especially in the first half. It was the same when I was here, they are a young team who want to express themselves. But after talks in the dressing room we found new solutions.’
The 23-year-old admitted it was ‘special’ to return to Borussia-Park where he took major strides in the professional game, but now his focus is on final preparations before we begin our league campaign with a tasty fixture at Old Trafford.
‘We are going into the Premier League with a good feeling. We want to be where we have to be. We are going to be ready. Pre-season is always hard. We have had some difficult games and this was a good test for us.
‘It’s going to be very difficult on Sunday. We still need a bit more but we have a week to prepare. It’s going to be very tough, especially away, but I am sure we will be ready.’