Chelsea’s newly appointed manager, Enzo Maresca, has delivered a stark ultimatum following a lackluster draw in their opening pre-season match. Maresca warned that a player’s current style of play is incompatible with his plans, and without significant improvement, the player may be forced to leave the club. The future at Stamford Bridge hangs in the balance.
Following Chelsea’s first pre-season match of the summer, Enzo Maresca addressed the media, reflecting on the team’s 2-2 draw with Wrexham in Santa Clara. Lesley Ugochukwu’s late goal secured the equalizer for the Blues. However, Maresca emphasized that while the result was notable, he was more focused on the team’s performance.
Maresca stated that while results matter, the early stage of the season calls for a greater focus on evaluating the team’s performance, especially after just two weeks of training. He was pleased with the team’s overall performance, noting that they played well in both halves despite conceding two goals.
He specifically mentioned Wesley Fofana, who returned to play 45 minutes after a year-long absence, highlighting the importance of individual player progress at this stage. Maresca stressed that while results are always crucial, it’s also vital to assess other aspects of the game. He expressed satisfaction with how the team executed their plan to build play with a three-and-two formation, involving Reece James in the first half and Malo Gusto in the second half. He acknowledged the challenge of breaking down opponents who sit back with 11 players behind the ball, but was encouraged by the team’s efforts to find solutions in both halves.
Maresca also spoke about the team’s development, noting that the first two weeks of pre-season are crucial for establishing the team’s identity. He was pleased with the clarity of this identity in the match against Wrexham and optimistic about the potential to further develop their style of play.
On the return of Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana, Maresca emphasized their importance to the team and the value of getting game time and training sessions under their belts, especially after long absences. He acknowledged the mental challenge of returning to competitive play and the positive impact of their participation on the team’s overall energy.
Regarding the goalkeeping situation, Maresca praised Robert Sanchez for his performance and noted the critical role of the goalkeeper in their playing style. While he refrained from discussing potential transfers, he did not rule out the possibility of adding another goalkeeper during the transfer window, given the team currently has four goalkeepers, including an injured Petrovic.
When asked about the goals conceded against Wrexham, Maresca clarified that the first goal resulted from losing a duel after a bounce, not from playing out from the back, though the second goal did. He acknowledged that playing out from the back carries inherent risks but emphasized the importance of persisting with this approach, believing that the benefits outweigh the occasional setbacks.
Lastly, Maresca mentioned that it was still too early to determine a definitive starting XI, particularly with several key players yet to join the squad. The priority in these early stages, he noted, was to ensure that the team showcases a clear identity, which he felt was evident in the match against Wrexham.
