Enzo Maresca Backs Chelsea’s Strategy Despite Wrexham Deadlock

Chelsea’s pre-season tour in the United States kicked off with a dramatic 2-2 draw against League One side Wrexham. The match, held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, showcased both the potential and the vulnerabilities of Enzo Maresca’s squad. Despite defensive lapses, the new manager remains committed to his playing philosophy.

A Mixed Performance

The game started positively for Chelsea, with Christopher Nkunku opening the scoring in the 35th minute. However, after both teams made significant changes at half-time, Wrexham capitalized on defensive errors to take the lead. Luke Bolton and Jack Marriott scored for Wrexham, but Chelsea’s Lesley Ugochukwu equalized late in the game to salvage a draw.

Maresca’s Philosophy

Maresca, addressing the media post-match, acknowledged the risks associated with his style of play. “We are going to concede goals this season playing out from the back,” he said, adding that conceding in different ways is inevitable. Despite the defensive errors, Maresca remains steadfast in his approach, emphasizing the importance of building from the back and maintaining possession.

Highlights and Key Moments

The match saw a lively start, with early incidents involving Levi Colwill and James McClean escaping red cards. Reece James came close to doubling Chelsea’s lead with a curled free-kick that hit the post. However, defensive mistakes in the second half allowed Wrexham to take the lead. Josh Acheampong’s error led to Marriott’s impressive low drive, which put Wrexham ahead.

Chelsea’s equalizer was a result of a slick move involving substitutes Angelo Gabriel, Armando Broja, and Ugochukwu, who redeemed himself after an earlier mistake. This showcased the depth and potential of Maresca’s squad, despite the mixed performance.

Looking Ahead

Maresca remains optimistic about the future, stating that the team has only been working together for two weeks. He highlighted the importance of building the team’s identity and adding more solutions as the pre-season progresses. Key players like Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia made appearances, with Fofana returning after a year-long injury layoff.

While the draw against Wrexham exposed some defensive frailties, it also highlighted the attacking potential of Maresca’s Chelsea. The manager’s commitment to his playing style suggests that fans can expect an exciting and dynamic season ahead. As pre-season continues, the team will look to iron out their defensive issues and build on the positive aspects of their performance.

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