Youthful Chelsea undone by Ajax

AMSTERDAM -- Premier League champions Chelsea slumped to a 3-1 defeat to Martin Jol's Ajax in a pre-season friendly on Friday, July 23, but coach Carlo Ancelotti praised his team, eight of whom were under 21 years old.

"Our young players did their best and it is normal for young players to play this kind of game," said Ancelotti, whose 2010 World Cup players did not feature.

"It was more difficult but it was a good test for them. They are disappointed with the result but individually the performance of the young players was good. It was the second game of the pre-season, we have to improve, but I can be happy for this performance."

Ajax, coached by former Spurs boss Jol, took the lead when goalkeeper Ross Turnbull inadvertently deflected a Jeffrey Bruma headar into his own net.

Daniel Sturridge equalized before Siem De Jong made the most of a Turnbull mistake to score into an empty net.

South Korea's Suk Hyun-jun sealed victory in the final minute when he beat Hilario, who had replaced Turnbull between the posts at the break.

"Ross Turnbull didn't have a good performance but it can happen," said Ancelotti of a player who was standing in for the injured Peter Cech. "We have trust in him and it is better he has a game like this now than when there is a Premier League game."

Ancelotti also told the official Chelsea website that he hopes that Cech, who has a calf injury, and Alex (thigh) will be fit for the start of the season.

He also said he was happy with Michael Essien's progress.

The Ghanaian, who missed the tournament in South Africa with a knee injury, added 73 minutes to the 62 he played at Crystal Palace last weekend.

"Essien is very well and I think he is fit to play. The injury is behind him and this is a good thing for us," said Ancelotti.