Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca emphasizes the need for defensive improvement after his team’s 1-0 win over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League.
Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League has left manager Enzo Maresca with food for thought. While the win was a crucial step in Chelsea’s European campaign, Maresca believes that his team needs to improve defensively to achieve long-term success.
The Blues have conceded three goals in their last three games, a statistic that Maresca is keen to address.
The win over Benfica was marked by a first-half own goal from Richard Rios, which proved to be the difference between the two teams.
Maresca praised his team’s effort, noting that they were better in the first half in terms of ball management and creating chances. However, Chelsea dropped off in the second half, and Maresca believes that this is an area that needs improvement.
Maresca’s concerns about Chelsea’s defensive performance are valid, given the team’s recent form. In their last three games, Chelsea have conceded a total of three goals, which is not a desirable trend for a team looking to succeed in the Champions League.
Maresca emphasized the need for his team to be better defensively, while also appreciating the clean sheet.
The Chelsea boss also faced challenges with player availability, with several key players out due to injuries and suspensions. Andrey Santos, for instance, will miss Saturday’s Premier League fixture with Liverpool due to injury.
Chelsea’s upcoming match against Liverpool will be a tough test for Maresca’s team. The Reds are reigning Premier League champions, and Chelsea will need to be at their best to get a positive result. Maresca is aware of the challenge ahead, but he is confident that his team can improve and achieve success.
