Bruno Saltor offers positive spin on Chelsea’s continued goal woes

Chelsea interim manager Bruno Saltor hinted that a lack of confidence in front of goal is the only thing that’s missing after a host of chances went begging in the 0-0 draw with Liverpool.

The west Londoners began the post-Graham Potter era with a frustrating point against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, spurning a glut of glorious opportunities and twice seeing goals chalked off for minor discretions.

Reece James saw a wicked half-volley ruled out in the first half for a marginal offside against Enzo Fernandez in the build up, before Kai Havertz’s would-be opener was disallowed by VAR for handball after his initial shot ricocheted off Alisson and back onto his arm.

Speaking to the media post-match, Bruno admitted that Chelsea’s wastefulness has been irritating to oversee because of how the players have been finishing chances in training. But while translating that into competitive games is proving to be tough, the Spaniard pointed to a number of positives before suggesting that a lack of confidence in front of goal is the only thing that’s awry.

“We created enough chances to win the game. Two goals disallowed. The boys gave everything, they played with their heart,” Bruno said.

“You can’t ask for more. It’s execution. They’re in front of the goal. They’re human beings. The confidence has to be there.

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“Sometimes when one [chance is missed, others] after is a consequence. We just need to keep helping the boys. They’ve been going through a lot as well. It’s been a tough season for them.

“I know they miss chances. But what they could affect the most was the attitude and the effort, and that was there. They score a lot of goals in training. But coming to a game is completely different.

“It’s been really difficult for them. It’s not the first time they been in this situation this season. As a player you invest a lot in the manager. There’s been good relationships with Graham and the players. The players have suffered as well.”

Chelsea have scored just 29 goals in the Premier League this season – only seven teams have a worse record and they are all fighting against relegation.

They have tallied only 41 strikes in all competition and none of their players have reached double figures for the season just yet. Indeed, Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling are the only two players to have scored more than five goals, with Chelsea’s joint-third highest goal getter, Jorginho, no longer at the club.

Chelsea goalscorers in all competitions