The Blues may have not left Besiktas with silverware but Kurt Zouma still identified a number of positives to take from our narrow Super Cup loss to Liverpool.
The Frenchman produced a dominant defensive display in Istanbul, all the more impressive considering it came so soon after the difficulties he experienced at Old Trafford, and against more top-level opposition.
Sadly spot-kicks denied Zouma and his team-mates a first trophy under Frank Lampard, but he saw much to be pleased about in Chelsea’s performance.
‘We were unlucky,’ the 24-year-old said. ‘We deserved more than we got, even in the penalties.
‘We can be proud because we played a very good game against a strong side. We had no fear. We gave them very difficult moments and we should have won I think. Of course we are a bit disappointed we didn’t get the trophy, but we can keep the good we did.
‘There are a lot of positives we can take, especially after the loss we had at the weekend. We are a big team with big players and we showed that. The lads gave everything for 120 minutes. We were all focused and we all did our jobs so we can be proud of that.’
Zouma also had words of encouragement for Tammy Abraham, whose spot-kick was saved but who had helped us draw level in extra-time after Sadio Mane had put Liverpool in front for the first time on the night.
‘Penalties is a bit of luck. He did well in the game. He gave us a penalty that we scored to come back in the game. He then missed a penalty but he’s young and he’s going to learn. He’s a big player.’
The Blues might not have anything meaningful to show for themselves despite a start to the season full of promise, but we won’t have to wait long before getting the chance to register three points on the Premier League table. Leicester City are the visitors to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
‘We have to play, we are ready for that,’ stressed Zouma.
‘Us players have to recover well, especially after a game like this, and prepare ourselves for Sunday. We should have won but that’s football, now we have to move on.’