“It’s a habit from last year” - Enzo Maresca addresses Chelsea's defensive issues after pre-season defeat to Real Madrid
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has shared his thoughts on the side's defensive frailties this summer, linking them to problems accumulated over time. The Blues lost 2-1 against Real Madrid to end their pre-season tour of the USA on Tuesday (August 6).
In their single season under Mauricio Pochettino in 2023-24, Chelsea showed a marked improvement in attack, though it came at the expense of their defense. The Blues let in a club-record 63 goals in the Premier League, with teams finding it easy to play against their rearguard.
Enzo Maresca has seen his side go through a similar problem this summer, managing just one clean sheet in five friendlies. Speaking with the media after the defeat to Real Madrid, Maresca attributed the defensive woes to how the team was set up earlier. He said he is working with the players to try and limit the chances the opposition teams can generate from exploiting their backline.
"One of my first meetings with the squad was about the amount of goals we conceded last year with the defensive line very high. It's something we are trying to work on. It's a habit from last year. We are not working on defensive lines so high," Maresca said (via BBC journalist Nizaar Kinsella's X handle).
Chelsea conceded two goals in their first match on tour against Wrexham before conceding another four against Celtic. They conceded four against Manchester City and another two against Real Madrid.
With only 11 days left until their league opener against Manchester City (on August 18), Enzo Maresca and his staff have their work cut out for them. Chelsea will be keen to start the season strongly as they look to improve on their sixth-place finish in 2023-24.
Chelsea succumb to Real Madrid in pre-season defeat
Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid to end their pre-season tour of the USA on Tuesday (August 6). The Blues lost three, drew one, and won one of their five friendlies in the USA.
Real Madrid went ahead after just 19 minutes when a deflected effort from Lucas Vazquez crept past Filip Jorgensen in the Blues' goal. Los Blancos doubled their advantage when Brahim Diaz slotted home their second goal of the game in the 27th minute.
Chelsea pulled one back through winger Noni Madueke (39'), who scored for the second game running for the side. The Blues generated some more openings but failed to find a leveler in the tie as they eventually lost.
Real Madrid won the first match of their USA tour. The Blues will now return to London to continue preparations for the new season. They will face Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge in their final pre-season match on Sunday (August 11).