CHELSEA players are using a microwave oven to warm their boots before matches.
And the squad hope the secret weapon means they won’t get cold feet in the battle for a top-four finish this season.
Chelsea players have been putting their boots in the microwave before matchesCredit: The Sun
Chelsea players – pictured here are Ben Chilwell and Mateo Kovacic – hope their warm boots can give them an advantageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The microwave is in the home dressing room at the club’s Stamford Bridge ground and even has a timer which pings when their boots are ready.
It is also unplugged and taken on the team bus to domestic away games and is an integral part of pre-match preparations.
The oven is used to soften the players’ boots and make them more supple and comfortable to wear.
A club insider said: “Modern football boots seem to be pull-on types with much tighter fitting leather relying on a squeeze effect to stay on rather than the laces.
“So when cold they can be quite tough, quite stiff and awkward to wear at least when they first go on.
“The players put their boots in the microwave for a minute or two and the timer pings when they are soft enough. It’s actually a valuable addition to their equipment.
“It’s not about Premier League millionaires being pampered. It’s about getting the best from the boots as quickly as possible, making the players comfortable so they can perform to their best as quickly as possible.”
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Thomas Tuchel hopes his side can take a step forward in the race for a top-four spotCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Chelsea are at the forefront of using any new methods they can to gain an advantage over the opposition.
They employ chefs to cook for the players in the bowels of the stadium after games to help them replenish lost energy.
The microwave has been in place since last season and is a valuable asset in the bid to bring silverware to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are at home to Manchester United this Sunday and the microwave will be used to help new boss Thomas Tuchel play the boot-iful game.
The insider joked: “And once the players have warmed their boots, other staff can use it to heat jacket potatoes too – it’s very popular.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
