Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has serious problems to solve. Chelsea FC Club were torn apart by Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic at Notre Dame, primarily due to an abysmal defensive display. The Enzo Maresca era is continuing, and so far, it looks increasingly confusing why Chelsea decided to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino. A draw with Wrexham and now a terrible 4-1 defeat to Celtic will only lead to more questions from fans.
Defensive Struggles Highlighted
Throughout the game, Chelsea FC Club were repeatedly cut open by simple quick passing from Celtic. They started with a back three, consisting of Wesley Fofana, Benoît Badiashile, and Levi Colwill, but none of them performed well. The second goal was particularly troubling from Chelsea’s point of view. Celtic attacked down the right-hand side, played the ball behind the backline, and Kyogo finished a simple cross. It was all too easy.
Mistakes in Defense
The third goal epitomized Chelsea’s defensive issues. Badiashile made a catastrophic mistake by passing the ball to Celtic’s Luis Palma on the edge of his own box, leading to a straightforward goal. The fourth goal saw a lack of effort to stop the Celtic attack, adding to the defensive disaster.
Maresca’s Challenge
Maresca has accepted that Chelsea will concede goals while playing his style of football, but this was disastrous. It’s still too early to say Maresca’s job could be in danger, even after another disappointing result, as it is still pre-season. However, Chelsea FC Club are known for being consistently quick to change managers, and Maresca must find a way to get this bloated squad into shape before their first Premier League game against defending champions Manchester City.
Potential Managerial Pressure
Given Chelsea’s history, Maresca’s position could quickly become precarious if results don’t improve. The defeat to Celtic, coupled with a draw against Wrexham, suggests significant work is needed to ready the squad for competitive action.
Squad and Tactical Adjustments Needed
To turn things around, Maresca needs to address several areas:
1. Defensive Coordination
The back three of Fofana, Badiashile, and Colwill must improve their coordination and communication. Simple defensive lapses and poor passing need to be eliminated to prevent easy goals.
2. Midfield Support
Chelsea’s midfield must provide better cover and support for the defense. This means closing down spaces quickly and helping to control the tempo of the game.
3. Attacking Efficiency
While the focus has been on defense, Chelsea also needs to improve its efficiency in attack. Creating and converting chances will ease the pressure on the defense.
Looking Ahead
With the Premier League season fast approaching, Maresca has limited time to rectify these issues. The upcoming friendly matches will be crucial for testing adjustments and finding the right balance.
First Premier League Challenge
Chelsea’s first Premier League match is against Manchester City, the defending champions. On the evidence of the Celtic defeat, this could be another tough game. Maresca must use the remaining pre-season matches to instill confidence and resilience in his team.
Conclusion
Enzo Maresca faces a challenging start to his tenure at Chelsea FC Club. The defensive frailties exposed in the pre-season matches against Wrexham and Celtic highlight the need for urgent improvements. With Chelsea’s history of managerial changes, Maresca must quickly find solutions to avoid early-season pressure. The match against Manchester City will be a significant test, and Chelsea fans will be hoping for a much-improved performance. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
