Maresca Fires Back at Critics as Chelsea Look to Tighten Up Against Panathinaikos
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has firmly dismissed criticism that the Blues are conceding “easy goals” ahead of their UEFA Conference League clash with Panathinaikos on Thursday night. After a 2-1 loss to Liverpool last weekend, which marked their second defeat of the season, Chelsea’s defensive frailties have been thrust into the spotlight, with the team conceding ten goals in just eight league matches.
Last season under Mauricio Pochettino, the club set an unwanted record for goals conceded in the Premier League. With their ambitions to challenge at the top, shoring up the backline remains a pressing issue for the Blues.
Despite the outside noise, Maresca is standing his ground. When former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin suggested that a lack of elite quality in central defense could be the Blues’ undoing this season, Maresca wasn’t having it. The defensive performance against Liverpool, highlighted by Levi Colwill’s rash penalty and Tosin Adarabioyo’s shaky display, didn’t help quiet the doubters. Adding to the concerns is goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who many felt could have done better to prevent Curtis Jones’ match-winning goal.
Nevertheless, Maresca has been vocal in his defense of the team and Sanchez. “I don’t agree we are conceding easy goals. I think we are conceding goals like the rest of the clubs. Tomorrow with a full stadium, hopefully we don’t concede the goals,” Maresca told reporters, as quoted by Football London.
With Panathinaikos looming, Chelsea are expected to shuffle their defense once again. Benoit Badiashile is likely to return and partner Adarabioyo, with the hope that the backline can keep a clean sheet and restore some confidence.
While individual errors have led to some of the goals Chelsea have conceded, there are other issues at play, including vulnerability on set pieces. It’s an area that Maresca and Pochettino will need to address if they want to see improvement.
Chelsea may possess the firepower to outscore opponents, but as Maresca knows all too well, a strong defense wins titles. “You can’t always rely on the attack to bail you out,” he seems to be saying through his adjustments. Thursday’s match will be a chance for the Blues to show they can do more than just attack—they need to prove they can grind out 1-0 wins too.
