Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stressed the importance of ending 2025 with a victory, urging his side to secure three points against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
“We Need Wins Now,” Says Maresca Ahead of Blues’ Finale
Ahead of the final match of the year, Maresca acknowledged the challenge posed by the Cherries, who held Chelsea to a goalless draw earlier this month.
He emphasized the universal difficulty of Premier League fixtures and his team’s urgent need for wins.
“It’s very important to finish the year in the best way,” Maresca stated in his pre-match press conference.
“For sure, it will be another tough game, but we need to win games as soon as possible.”
This call to action follows a frustrating 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa. Chelsea dominated the first half but failed to build a secure lead, a lapse Villa punished after the break.
While taking positives from an hour of controlled play against in-form opponents, Maresca pinpointed a recurring issue.
He highlighted a specific need for improvement in managing matches immediately after conceding a goal. The manager believes this pattern is not random and requires a solution.
“We need to understand the reason why,” Maresca explained.
“No matter if we are winning, drawing or losing, when we concede a goal we lose a little bit of control. We need to understand why.”
The match offers Chelsea a chance to finish a landmark year—which included UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs—on a positive note before the Champions League resumes next month.
For Maresca, a winning performance against Bournemouth is the required step.
