Chelsea Under-23 boss Adi Viveash has insisted that his charges are getting a taste of what it takes to be a league footballer by playing in the EFL Trophy.

The young Blues, who were beaten 2-1 by Swindon Town in their EFL Trophy opener in September, went down 3-2 to Exeter City on Tuesday night.




The League Two outfit were 3-0 up by the 50th minute at St James’ Park, courtesy of goals from Ollie Watkins, David Wheeler and Liam McAlinden.

Although Ike Ugbo managed to score twice late on to reduce the arrears, Exeter held on and bagged the full three points.
 


And Viveash, whose team are now winless in their last five games in all competitions, explained that the EFL Trophy games are a real eye opener for his charges as they are getting to know what it takes to be a league footballer.

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“I think it gives a real eye opener to the players first and foremost”, he told Chelsea TV.

“The players get a real eye opener into where they are. A lot of them think they are in certain positions where they should be playing football.

“Are they good enough to play league football? There’s the question mark.

“I am asking are we playing to be a player or do we really want to be a player, that’s the questions we’re asking every day.

“And I think they are getting the answers of what it takes to be a league footballer.”

Viveash’s side, who are yet to open their points tally in the EFL Trophy, are currently sixth in the Premier League 2.