Enzo Maresca Talks Chelsea’s Progress: Player Injuries, Growing Pains, Hidden Gems, and Future Ambitions
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Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca reviewed Chelsea’s performance against Aston Villa and discussed the team’s development when asked about their progress.
Enzo Maresca said “We are doing that since we started, sometimes better and sometimes worse. I said many times, I think we are in the right direction.”
Regarding whether the game was a step forward, Maresca expressed uncertainty but highlighted the team’s approach and preparation.
Enzo Maresca said “To be honest, I do not know. I said after the Leicester game; no matter who the other team is, it is important to try and play in the way we want to on and off the ball. When we do this and we get three points, we are for sure happy. I think the performance was very good and the way we prepared the game. They are a very difficult team, they are top defensively. It’s not easy to find space. They don’t press so you have to be patient. We were very aggressive. Nicolas Jackson scored a goal but what he was doing off the ball is what we need.”
Addressing the performance of Moises Caicedo as a right-back, Maresca emphasized the importance of balance and praised the players’ efforts.
Enzo Maresca said “We are always looking for balance on and off the ball. Enzo [Fernandez] did fantastic today once again. Moises, again. Today’s game is very difficult to find one of them who was not good. They were all good and that was important.”
When asked if Chelsea are title contenders, Maresca stated that despite the victory, they are not ready yet, though improvement is being made.
Enzo Maresca said “I do not agree with that. Because we win today, I am not going to change my idea. We are not ready for that. The good thing is we are improving.”
On the fitness of Wesley Fofana, Maresca revealed it was a hamstring problem causing a significant loss for the team.
Enzo Maresca said “Unfortunately it is bad news. A hamstring problem. These kinds of things usually require three, four, five weeks. In this moment, we lose him for 10 or 12 games. In the way he was playing, it’s a big loss for us but we have more players and we can find a solution.”
Explaining the impact of Fofana’s absence further, Maresca acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic about solutions.
Enzo Maresca said “It’s a big loss, it’s a big loss. He is doing fantastic but it is normal when you play this amount of games. Fortunately it was his first injury of the season but we will find a solution.”
On Enzo Fernandez’s role, Maresca elaborated on positioning players in attacking positions to increase goal-scoring opportunities.
Enzo Maresca said “Exactly. For most times, he was in those positions, inside the box. It is very difficult to score goals from outside of the box. Usually all the goals happen from inside the box, so we need the two wingers, the No.9 inside the box. We need players inside the box to try and score goals. The first goal we scored is because Marc Cucurella is in the right position to win the ball back and then we scored a goal.”
Discussing Malo Gusto’s influence, Maresca praised his versatility and contribution to the team’s processes.
Enzo Maresca said “Malo is doing fantastic. I’ve said many times that one of the reasons why we are where we are at this moment is because of Malo. He helps us a lot in terms of the process. With us, he has played as a higher full-back, full-back inside, a full-back in the pocket. He is playing three or four positions and is learning different things.”
When talking about Cole Palmer, Maresca highlighted the player’s unexpected talents alongside Joao Felix that captivate fans.
Enzo Maresca said “Cole Palmer, Joao Felix is the reason why people pay for tickets; to watch that type of player. Cole Palmer can see things, like Joao, that the rest cannot see.”
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