Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, has shared his thoughts on the team’s recent performance and the challenges faced on the pitch. Speaking to Chelseafc.com, Maresca addressed various aspects of the team’s play and the impact of the pitch conditions on their style of football.
Pitch Conditions and Playing Style
Maresca responded to comments made by Pep Guardiola regarding pitch conditions affecting play. He acknowledged that the pitch does not favor Chelsea’s preferred style of play, where quick ball movement is crucial. “Sometimes when we say something, it can sound like an excuse, so I don’t want to say this,” Maresca noted. “But for sure, the pitch doesn’t help in the way we want to play because the ball has to be quick. This kind of pitch slows down the ball.”
Learning from Defensive Lapses
The Chelsea boss also emphasized the need for his players to improve their defensive resilience. Reflecting on recent matches, he pointed out that conceding goals in quick succession is an area for improvement. “More than the goals we conceded, we need to learn when you concede one, you cannot then concede a goal two minutes later,” he said. Maresca stressed the importance of strengthening their defensive response after conceding a goal, as the team allowed another goal shortly after in the second half.
Tactical Adjustments and Progress
Maresca acknowledged that adapting to the demands of the game takes time. He noted that understanding when to play the ball back, inside, or outside is a learning process for the team. Despite the initial challenges, he remained optimistic, stating, “After two or three weeks, this is completely normal. Less the first five minutes, the game for me was good.”
Enzo Maresca’s comments reflect a period of adjustment for Chelsea as they adapt to new playing conditions and tactical approaches. While the pitch conditions and defensive lapses have posed challenges, Maresca’s focus on learning and improving highlights a forward-looking mindset. As the team continues to adapt and refine their strategies, the early-season experiences are expected to contribute to their growth and development under the new manager.