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New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca issues concerning warning after Wrexham struggle

Chelsea’s new head coach, Enzo Maresca, has issued a warning that the team will likely concede more goals this season due to their commitment to playing out from the back. This statement came after Chelsea’s pre-season opener against Wrexham at Levi’s Stadium in California, which ended in a draw. Despite Chelsea dominating possession, the match saw them come from behind to equalize.

Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring for Chelsea after Tyrique George’s attempt was blocked. However, Wrexham capitalized on Chelsea’s defensive strategy, with Luke Bolton and Jack Marriott turning the game around. Marriott’s goal came from a high-press situation that put Chelsea’s defense under pressure, highlighting the risks of Maresca’s preferred playing style. Lesley Ugochukwu’s late goal salvaged a draw for Chelsea.

Maresca, formerly the head coach of Leicester City, acknowledged the potential defensive vulnerabilities of building play from the back but emphasized the importance of sticking to this philosophy. He believes that although this approach may lead to conceding some goals, it will ultimately be beneficial for Chelsea’s overall performance. “The first goal is not from playing out from the back. The second, yes,” Maresca clarified. “But the first came from one bounce, we lose a duel and then we concede the goal. For sure, we are going to concede goals this season playing out from the back. Hopefully, not too many. It is one of the risks that you have trying to build from behind.”

Maresca stressed that being steadfast in their strategy is crucial and expressed confidence that this approach will lead to more goals scored than conceded. “Absolutely. I have no doubt. I think you are going to concede in different ways, so you need to decide in which way you need to concede a goal. Sometimes teams that try to build from the back concede goals but I think you are going to score more than you concede.”

In addition to discussing the team’s playing style, Maresca was pleased to see Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana return to action. Fofana, who missed all of last season due to a knee injury, and Lavia, who had limited appearances after a £58 million transfer, both played significant minutes. “Absolutely. They are both very important,” said Maresca. “At this moment for them, it is important to get minutes, to use every training session. I’m very happy, especially for them. For one year without getting minutes, it is difficult mentally. They need a boost, energy and 45 minutes is going to help both of them.”

Overall, Maresca’s debut match as Chelsea’s head coach highlighted both the potential strengths and challenges of his tactical approach. While the draw against Wrexham showcased the risks associated with playing out from the back, it also reaffirmed Maresca’s belief in the long-term benefits of this strategy. As Chelsea continues their pre-season preparations, Maresca remains focused on solidifying this philosophy and integrating key players back into the team.