After their successful start in the UEFA Conference League, the Blues recorded a victory against the Belgian side, driven by goals from Renato Veiga, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The team’s performance, both offensively and defensively, was commendable, but there are always areas for improvement.
Enzo Maresca said, “We are performing not only in attack but defensively very well. We are happy. I need to repeat always the same: For sure, we can do many, many things better – we can attack better and defend better. Tonight probably the most important thing we can learn is even if we are 4-1 [up], even to the final whistle you have to switch on, you cannot switch off. I think we conceded the second goal just because we saw the game was already finished. I think if we want to be one step forward, even when you are 4-1 and the game is almost finished, you need to continue and not concede another goal.”
Maresca expressed satisfaction with how the game was approached: “We are really happy with the performance. We approached it very well. These games are never easy. So I am very happy with the performance and the result.”
Individual Performances and Player Roles
Talking specifically about Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Maresca emphasized the importance of his goal and his role in the squad, despite not always being a starter.
Enzo Maresca said, “Dewsbury-Hall, the goal was important for him… You are on the bench, you are not in the squad, you are not playing from the start, so you struggle a little bit at the beginning. But he needs to understand the reason he is here is because we want him. The celebration [from Maresca] is probably because I know he needs that. This is the reason why.”
Addressing the strength and unity of the team, Maresca clarified the misconception about having two distinct teams.
Enzo Maresca said, “We do not have two teams. It is one team, only one team. The ones that are playing tonight does not mean they cannot play Sunday or the next Premier League game. In this moment it is like this but the important thing is that changing players, you can see the identity of the team.”
Comments on Specific Players
Maresca also provided insights into the performances of Cesare Casadei and Renato Veiga in their roles.
Enzo Maresca said, “What have you made of Cesare Casadei? Cesare played very good against Barrow and even better tonight. I am very happy with the way he is playing… This year, we are using him like a holding midfielder. The reason why is because I think we go in the direction where the middle you need physical players. Cesare is very big, physically strong and helps us when we want to press.”
On Renato Veiga, Maresca praised his versatility and unexpected goal-scoring ability.
Enzo Maresca said, “Renato Veiga has played perhaps more games than people expected… It’s similar to Cesare Casadei in terms of physicality. He is tall, he is big. Tonight he played like an attacking midfielder, in the pocket for the first time of the season for us. He did very well.”
International Call-Ups and Future Outlook
Reflecting on Christopher Nkunku’s call-up to the French national team, Maresca expressed his delight.
Enzo Maresca said, “Nkunku has been called up to the France squad. This is a big day for him… It’s a big day. We are all happy. I knew the information from this afternoon and I was very happy. He deserves it. He is doing well with us.”
Finally, regarding a potential challenge regarding the Club World Cup, Maresca confirmed the team’s intention to always field a strong lineup.
Enzo Maresca said, “What do you think about FIFA saying you need to bring a ‘strong squad’ for the Club World Cup? It’s okay. For sure, we are going to try always for every game, going with a strong team.”
