“LET him pack his things and leave,I don’t want to see him in my Club again. He is the bad egg Pochettino was having during his era and they bottled the league because of him,I am going to put him in his place”, Chelsea new head coach Enzo Maresca didn’t take it lightly after unexpected clash erupt between Levi Colwill and James McClean of Wrexham.
In a recent pre-season friendly, an intense altercation between Chelsea’s Levi Colwill and Wrexham’s James McClean required intervention from match officials, teammates, and coaching staff. The incident erupted just two minutes into the game as Chelsea, comfortably controlling the ball, faced an unexpected confrontation. After Colwill passed the ball to his teammate Benoit Badiashile, he reacted strongly to a challenge from McClean. Frustrated, Colwill grabbed McClean by the shirt collar, sparking a physical altercation. Fortunately, the scuffle was quickly deescalated, and both players avoided serious disciplinary actions, with the referee opting not to issue any cards, mindful of the game’s friendly nature.
This incident set an unexpectedly intense tone for Chelsea’s pre-season tour in the United States. The match, held at Levi’s Stadium in California, was the tour’s first game for both Chelsea and Wrexham. Despite the early confrontation, the game continued with Wrexham putting up a strong performance. They nearly secured a victory before Chelsea’s Lesley Ugochukwu scored a late equalizer, resulting in a 2-2 draw. The match was notable for its physicality and high level of competition, which belied its pre-season status.
Wrexham has recently gained significant attention in North America following their acquisition by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, drawing a supportive and enthusiastic crowd. The team’s newfound popularity has been bolstered by the documentary series ‘Welcome to Wrexham,’ which chronicles the club’s journey and resurgence. After achieving consecutive promotions, Wrexham is set to compete in League One in the upcoming season, having played in League Two the previous year. This rise in the football hierarchy has galvanized the fanbase and brought increased visibility to the club.
The intensity of the game, particularly Colwill’s aggressive response, was surprising, considering that pre-season matches are generally more relaxed affairs. These games typically allow players to ease into the competitive rhythm and avoid injuries before the regular season begins. For Colwill, however, the situation might have represented a chance to solidify his position in Chelsea’s lineup under new manager Enzo Maresca. With a critical match against Manchester City scheduled for August 18, securing a spot in the starting lineup would be a significant achievement for the young player.
On the other side, James McClean’s physical style of play is well-known, having been a defining characteristic throughout his extensive Premier League career. McClean’s aggressive approach, which has seen him accumulate 29 yellow cards and three red cards, underscores his commitment to a combative style of play. This trait is viewed as an asset for Wrexham as they prepare for the rigors of League One, a competition McClean is familiar with, having won the division with Wigan in the 2022/23 season. His experience and tenacity are expected to be crucial for Wrexham in the upcoming challenges.
Reflecting on the match, Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson expressed pride in his team’s performance, especially given the disparity in resources between the two clubs. He highlighted the competitive spirit displayed by his players against a heavily invested Chelsea squad. Parkinson’s remarks underscored the significance of the draw, not just as a result, but as a demonstration of Wrexham’s progress and resilience. This spirited performance against a high-profile opponent like Chelsea sets a positive tone for Wrexham’s upcoming season, providing a boost of confidence and validation for the team’s recent efforts and investments.
