Chelsea’s Disasi Emphasizes Set-Piece Effectiveness Under Coach Cueva

Chelsea defender Axel Disasi has disclosed that the Blues’ set-piece coach, Bernardo Cueva, has instructed the squad on the necessity of greater effectiveness from free-kicks and corners. Disasi scored a goal during Chelsea’s 8-0 victory over Noah in the Conference League on Thursday. His goal was one of two headers resulting from Enzo Fernandez’s set-pieces, with Tosin Adarabioyo scoring the other. Chelsea reportedly acquired the services of set-piece specialist Cueva from Brentford in July for £850,000. However, prior to last weekend, the team had managed only a single Premier League goal directly from a set-piece: Nicolas Jackson’s header in a 6-2 win against Wolves in August. Disasi commented on his goal against Noah, stating, “My goal [against Noah] is something we have worked a lot on in training with the set-piece coach.” He further added, “He told us we had to score because since the beginning of the season we haven’t scored many set-piece goals. I’m sure he will be very happy with the two goals.” Following their decisive win against Noah, Chelsea now leads the Conference League table with nine points and a goal difference of +13. Disasi also shared insights into the team’s mindset for the competition, remarking, “Before the competition began, the coach told us that every team will come here to play their game of the year.” He continued, “We are conscious of this and it’s about playing our game and showing respect, but we also need to show our quality.” Disasi concluded by emphasizing, “We are pushing in the same way whether it’s the Conference League or the Premier League.”