
Blackpool FC manager Ian Holloway has admitted his side never stood a chance of picking up a point against Chelsea, as they were outclassed in a 4-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
The Seasiders boss opted for a more defensive approach for the trip to the Premier League leaders, as Alex Baptiste replaced Brett Ormerod in the starting line-up.
Holloway revealed after the game that he expected his team to lose, regardless of the system he adopted.
"I would have been silly to think we did not have to do something different against Chelsea but I think we would have lost no matter what we did," he told BBC Sport.
"The tactical change did not work at all.”
"I should have gone back [to our normal attacking system] earlier but when I went back to what we do the game was over by then.”
"No matter what we do against the top teams we are light years off them. They are awesome with their mental approach and the way they go about games."
Chelsea effectively ended the game as a contest by firing in all four goals before the break.
Solomon Kalou got the ball rolling, tapping in from a corner with only 72 seconds on the clock.
Florent Malouda then finished a fine flowing move, guiding in a Didier Drogba cross from close range.
Drogba got himself on the score sheet with a deflected effort, before Malouda wrapped up the points with a clinical finish from another low cross.
The Seasiders upped their game in the second period, and were unfortunate not to reply.
DJ Campbell had his goal bound effort cleared after beating Petr Cech, and Marlon Harewood agonisingly hit the side-netting.
Cech also had to be alert to tip Gary Taylor Fletcher's chipped effort over the bar.
Blackpool currently occupy ninth position in the Premier League table having accumulated seven points from five games following wins over Wigan Athletic and Newcastle United, and drawing against Fulham.
The Seasiders’ next Premier League action comes against Blackburn Rovers at Bloomfield Road on Saturday.
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