Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca insists his side can take positives from their defeat to Liverpool, despite a two-game winless streak that sees them drop to sixth in the Premier League with 14 points from eight games. Maresca credited his players for fighting at Anfield and was happy with their on and off-the-ball work rate, saying they’re ready for a big week ahead against Newcastle, Manchester United, and Arsenal.
The game against Liverpool was very good in most aspects,” said Maresca, admitting they have room for improvement in the final third. He praised his players’ courage, stating, “The Premier League is tough.”
Chelsea have an attacking problem, with both Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku in fine form. Jackson presently leads Chelsea’s scoring in the league with five goals, while Nkunku, who recently returned to fitness, netted eight across competitions.
Maresca saluted Jackson’s recent work, particularly his pressing and linking, but hinted Nkunku’s adaptability could provide some important permutations as the campaign wears on.
Newcastle are ninth, two behind Chelsea, and a physical challenge that Maresca is more cognisant of: “They’ve been a bit unlucky, but they deserve more points,” he said, predicting a tight battle on Sunday.
