Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has urged his team to learn and adapt following their goalless draw against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.
Enzo Maresca Sends Message to Chelsea Stars After Frustrating Everton Draw
The result marked a setback for the Blues in their title challenge, as they failed to break down an Everton side renowned for their defensive resilience this season.
Speaking after the match, Maresca praised Everton’s well-organized defense, which has now kept five clean sheets in six matches, including against top teams like Arsenal and Chelsea.
Despite Chelsea creating a handful of opportunities, including a one-on-one for Nicolas Jackson and a shot that struck the post, Everton also came close to scoring, forcing a crucial block from Tosin Adarabioyo.
Reflecting on the match, Maresca admitted the difficulty of facing a side like Everton at home. “I was quite worried about this game,” he said.
“It’s a tricky game, tricky stadium, tricky team. They are defensively top. You struggle to create chances against them.”
The Chelsea boss emphasized the need for his players to adapt to different styles of football, especially when faced with teams that prioritize defensive organization.
“You have to deal with it and learn to play different games—long balls, second balls, channels, set-pieces.
Football is not only about how good we play on the ball. It’s also about how you defend and deal with that.”
While expressing his pride in the team’s togetherness and effort, Maresca highlighted the importance of being clinical in tight matches.
“In games like this, knowing you aren’t going to create many chances, you have to be clinical,” he said.
“In the first half, we had some big opportunities. If we score, the game probably becomes completely different. But until then, you’re going to struggle.”
Chelsea will now look to bounce back as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.
Maresca’s message is clear: adaptation and precision are vital if the Blues are to maintain their push for silverware this season.
