"We’ve Beaten Teams...." – Enzo Maresca Confident Chelsea Can Handle Manchester United Challenge

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has pushed back against claims that his team struggles to break down defensive opponents. As Chelsea prepare to face Manchester United, Maresca believes his side has already proven it can beat teams that play with a deep defence or five at the back like Manchester United plays.

In his pre-match press conference, the Italian made it clear that while some fans may want faster attacking football, his team has been getting the results – even if it doesn’t always look exciting.

Maresca didn’t hesitate when asked about Chelsea’s record against teams that defend deep and in numbers – also known as playing a “low block.”

“If you go back, we won almost all the games against low blocks and back five,” he said. “The only difference is that when we face these kinds of teams, probably we didn’t attack quick in the way people like.”

In simple terms, Maresca is saying that Chelsea’s style might not always look fast or exciting, but it has been effective.

The manager listed a few examples of teams Chelsea have faced this season who played in a similar defensive style. He mentioned West Ham, Wolves, and Leicester – and pointed out that Chelsea came out on top in those matches.

“If you go back, West Ham, Wolves, Leicester – more teams that we face with the line of five – I think our results will be good,” Maresca said. “It’s just a matter to play, to learn, to play differently.”

He explained that playing against teams who defend a lot requires a different kind of football – more patience, clever movement, and good decision-making in tight spaces.

Chelsea’s next match against Manchester United won’t be easy. United are known for playing defensively in big games. They often sit deep and try to hit on the counter-attack using fast players.

In the past, Chelsea have found it hard to break down teams who defend like this, and sometimes they’ve been punished on the break. But Maresca seems confident that Chelsea have learned from those games.

This time, the Blues might try to move the ball faster and take more risks in attack to break through United’s solid defence.

Even though Chelsea have had ups and downs this season, Maresca continues to back his players and his style of play. He believes that with time, the team will improve and become more comfortable against all types of opponents.

He also hinted that Chelsea’s way of playing might not always be fast, but it can still be successful.

With important European spots still to fight for, the result against Manchester United could play a big role in how Chelsea’s season ends.