2 weeks Ago By The Straits Times
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca during the 2-1 Premier League loss to Liverpool at Anfield. LONDON – Chelsea will take positives from their loss at Liverpool and will not be deterred by a testing run of English Premier League fixtures against Newcastle United, Manchester United and Arsenal, manager Enzo Maresca has said. The Blues are on a two-match winless streak and have 14 points from eight games.
Despite losing 2-1 at Anfield last week, Maresca praised his players and said they are ready to face further challenges in a cut-throat competition like the Premier League. “The Liverpool game was very good. We were good with the ball and without the ball,” the Italian said ahead of the home game against Newcastle on Oct 27.
“For sure there are many things we could do better. We could attack better in the final third. But the guys were brave trying to press man-to-man.
“We need to play against all of them. We have met Liverpool and now have three games in a row against Newcastle, Manchester United and Arsenal. The Premier League is tough.
” Maresca has a striker dilemma, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku vying to lead the line. While Jackson has scored five goals to top the club’s scoring charts in the league, Nkunku has scored eight in all competitions having returned to fitness. “We know Nicolas Jackson is very important for us.
On the ball, he’s scoring, assists, and linking with his teammates. Off the ball, he’s working hard, pressing the way we want to press. He’s doing fantastic,” Maresca added.
“We have Christopher Nkunku also who is going to help us because the season is very long, we have so many games, and also the game plan can be more for Christopher than Nico. We can choose.” Newcastle, who are two points behind, can leapfrog Chelsea with a win and Maresca was wary of the strength and physicality from Eddie Howe’s men.
“Probably, they’ve been a bit unlucky, in the last game against Brighton (1-0 loss), but I think they deserve some more points,” he said. “The way they work, (they’ve had) many years together, it’s quite clear. I really like Newcastle.
” Off the pitch, the Chelsea boss has also urged his captain Reece James to show more “leadership” as he looks to galvanise his team. The defender made his first appearance of the season in the loss to Liverpool after a long injury absence. “I spoke with him and I expect from him more in terms of leadership inside the changing room,” Maresca said.
“He’s on the way, he’s doing well, he’s progressing but I expect more.” REUTERS, AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now.
