Posted On Thursday, 8th August 2013
Michael Essien wants Chelsea to improve after Real Madrid defeat in Guinness International Championship
Ghana star Michael Essien insists Chelsea would get back to work to improve themselves before the start of the season after losing 3-1 to Real Madrid in the Guinness International Championship Cup final on Thursday.
The 30-year-old was introduced by Jose Mourinho 17 minutes to full time to replace Dutch starlet Van Ginkel but could not alter help alter the fate of the game as the Blues crashed to their first pre-season defeat.
Essien and Mourinho were facing their club – Real Madrid, just under two months of leaving the Spanish side.
Brazilian Marcelo struck first for Madrid on the 12th minute mark at the Sun Life Stadium but Ramirez brought the game back on for the Blues with a breathtaking finish two minutes later.
But a Cristiano Ronaldo double condemned the Stamford Bridge side to defeat before 67,000 fans in Miami.
Essien admitted Madrid were the better side on the night and insisted Chelsea would work to improve their form before the start of the brand new season.
“Great game of football tonight, better luck next time, always more room for improvement…!!!” he tweeted after the game.
Chelsea went into the game with seven wins from their seven pre-season games but were stopped by Ancelotti’s side.
Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid boss, also had an inside knowledge of Chelsea after managing the club three seasons ago while Essien played under him.