Enzo Maresca on Chelsea’s High-Risk Tactics After Wrexham Draw

Enzo Maresca has resolutely adhered to his strategic methodology, resisting the temptation to overreact after failing to vanquish League One side Wrexham in his debut as Chelsea’s head coach. Following a 1-0 halftime advantage courtesy of a Christopher Nkunku goal, the Blues found themselves trailing with 20 minutes to go due to some precarious defending, before a late goal from Lesley Ugochukwu salvaged the situation for the manager.

“In this phase, having just begun two weeks ago, it is imperative that we, as the staff and the people, start to discern the team’s identity. Tonight, it was quite evident,” Maresca remarked post-match, highlighting the positives in what was otherwise a typically unremarkable preseason encounter.

Breaking down a defensive low block has been a persistent challenge for Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea, and Maresca has yet to find a remedy in his nascent tenure. Despite concluding the match with 75 percent possession and 700 completed passes, the Blues managed a mere three shots on target.

“It is inconsequential regarding the level of opposition; when they retreat with all players behind the ball, finding space and solutions is invariably arduous. It is not straightforward,” he added. Maresca acknowledged that playing out from the back could lead to defensive vulnerabilities, with a pair of second-half defensive lapses underscoring an area for Chelsea’s improvement.

“It is one of the inherent risks associated with building from the back,” he said. “I believe you are likely to concede in various ways, so you must determine the manner in which you prefer to concede a goal. Teams attempting to build from the back often concede goals, but I think you are more likely to score than concede.”

He continued, “Undoubtedly, there are many aspects we can enhance, but we commenced only two weeks ago. Tonight was significant in beginning to see the team’s identity, and that identity is becoming apparent.”

Maresca made eleven substitutions at halftime, providing opportunities for new signings and academy prospects. Marc Guiu, an 18-year-old striker signed from Barcelona in early July, made his debut, while Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia, having missed the majority of the 2023/24 season, returned to the lineup and both impressed.

Nkunku netted in the first half for Chelsea. “At this juncture, it is crucial for them to accumulate minutes and leverage every training session. After a year without playing time, it is mentally challenging. They need an invigorating boost, and 45 minutes will benefit both of them.”

While the draw was not the ideal start Maresca envisioned upon joining Chelsea, he remains patient with his new squad. “The outcome is always important to us, but at this moment, we must evaluate different factors. Tonight’s goal was to grant everyone 45 minutes. It is too premature to contemplate the first XI.”

Chelsea will next face Celtic on Saturday evening in Indiana, followed by a trip to Atlanta to play against Club America.