Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca Optimistic for Season Start Despite 4-1 Loss to Celtic
Chelsea’s Pre-Season Struggles Continue
Chelsea’s pre-season preparations hit a bump as they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Celtic at the University of Notre Dame on Saturday. The loss, marked by a late penalty from Christopher Nkunku, was a tough outing for the Premier League side under new coach Enzo Maresca.
Maresca’s Tactical Adjustments
Enzo Maresca, who is adjusting to his new role as Chelsea’s head coach, acknowledged that his players are still adapting to his style and tactics. Maresca, who had previously overseen a 2-2 draw with League One side Wrexham in California, highlighted the need for improvement both on and off the ball.
“Off the ball we need to improve things,” Maresca said. “You can see sometimes we confuse when we need to play short and when we need to play a little bit longer, but that is part of the process.”
Maresca explained that while the team has maintained a high defensive line, there are issues with dropping back when necessary. “We are still confusing some things on the ball and off the ball. It is normal in this moment when we are trying to do something new,” he added.
Focus on Premier League Opener
Despite the heavy defeat, Maresca remains optimistic about Chelsea’s prospects for the new season. The coach emphasized that the team is working through the adjustments and will be ready for their Premier League opener against defending champions Manchester City on August 18.
Chelsea’s Pre-Season Challenges
Chelsea’s pre-season has been challenging, with this latest defeat highlighting the need for tactical fine-tuning. The team has yet to hit its stride, but Maresca remains confident that improvements will be made in time for the competitive fixtures.
Looking Ahead
As the Premier League season approaches, Chelsea will look to build on their preparation and address the areas identified by Maresca. The match against Manchester City will be a crucial test for the newly adjusted squad and their readiness for the upcoming campaign.
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