Chelsea reportedly suffered a 2-0 defeat to Championship side Portsmouth in a closed-doors friendly on Saturday (October 3) at Cobham Training Centre during the ongoing extended international break. Pompey are 19th in the Championship.
The players involved in the 'secret' game were ones rehabbing from injuries, young players from the academy and a few unnamed first-teamers, as per Daily Mail, with Blues head coach Xabi Alonso using the game for tactical work.
Alonso's side have fallen off the pace after a bright start to the season, losing twice in their last three Premier League games and having one of the worst defensive records in the top flight, with 12 goals conceded.
The Blues are coming off a 3-0 hiding at Brentford last month, just before the international break. Following a goalless first period, strikes from Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago and Fabio Carvalho sunk Alonso's side, who had dominated possession (60%) but had just two shots on target.
The defeat dropped the Blues to 10th in the standings after five games, having not won since matchday two and trailing leaders Manchester City eight points. Since losing 2-1 at Arsenal on matchday three, Alonso's side drew 2-2 at home to promoted Hull City before losing at Brentford.
What's next for Chelsea?
Chelsea vs Leeds United - Carabao Cup Third Round - Source: Getty
Chelsea vs Leeds United - Carabao Cup Third Round - Source: Getty
Chelsea have had a mixed start to life under new boss Xabi Alonso, who arrived at the Stamford Bridge helm this summer after previous stints at Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Real Madrid.
The former Liverpool midfielder saw his team win their opening two Premier League games before going winless in their next three. Following the aforementioned defeat at Brentford just before the international break, Alonso's side return to action next weekend with a home game against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday (October 10).
The Blues have no European football to contend with this campaign after finishing a lowly 10th in the Premier League last season. They commenced their EFL Cup campaign with a 2-0 home win over Luton Town before beating Leeds United 6-3 at home. Next up for Alonso's side is a trip to Premier League giants Liverpool on October 28.