After suffering a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Celtic in a pre-season match in the United States, Chelsea’s new boss Enzo Maresca remains focused on the positives. Despite the heavy scoreline, Maresca pointed out that the team showed improvement on the ball compared to their previous match against Wrexham. He acknowledged the need for improvement off the ball, citing confusion in decision-making during the game.
Maresca highlighted that Celtic’s man-to-man marking forced Chelsea to opt for long balls instead of short passes and considered build-up play. He explained that due to limited time to try different tactics in training, they were unable to execute certain strategies during the match. However, he remained optimistic about the team’s progress, emphasizing the chances created and the steady performance until conceding goals later in the game.
The Chelsea manager acknowledged the physical disparity between his team and Celtic, with the Scottish side being further along in their pre-season preparations. He identified the need for improvement both on and off the ball, particularly in maintaining the high-line when the ball is not under pressure. Maresca recognized that the team is still adjusting to his new system and tactics but remains confident that they will be ready for their upcoming fixtures.
Looking ahead, Maresca expressed his belief that Chelsea will continue to improve as they progress through pre-season training and matches. He emphasized the importance of analyzing different aspects of the game, such as creating chances on the ball and limiting opposition opportunities off the ball. While recognizing the significance of results, Maresca stressed the need for patience and focus on the team’s development.
Chelsea’s remaining pre-season schedule includes matches against Club America, Manchester City, and Real Madrid before a final friendly against Inter Milan in London. The team will then kick off their Premier League campaign with a match against reigning champions Manchester City. Maresca is determined to instill his ideas and strategies within the team before the start of the season, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges ahead.
Fans can follow Chelsea’s pre-season journey and watch the team’s progress on discovery+, the streaming home of the Olympic Games and other top sporting events. With the potential for new signings and further development within the squad, Chelsea supporters can look forward to an exciting season ahead under Maresca’s leadership.
