CHELSEA players used a microwave oven to warm their boots before matches.
And the secret weapon meant they didn't get cold feet as they went on to win the Champions League in 2021.
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 told SunSport last year: “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.
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“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.”
Chelsea are at the forefront of using any new methods they can to gain an advantage over the opposition.
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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 the 2020/21 season and is a valuable asset in the bid to bring silverware to Stamford Bridge.
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.”
Graham Potter is now in charge at the London club.
And like predecessor Thomas Tuchel, he too is a fan of innovation in football.
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