Enzo Maresca faced a tough line of questioning as Chelsea prepared for their Champions League meeting with Benfica. Despite recent struggles, the coach leaned firmly into positivity. When asked whether doubts were growing, he said: “There is no reason to be negative.” He believes in the squad’s ability to bounce back.
Maresca : Owning mistakes, not hiding them
Maresca admitted recent results haven’t gone as hoped. Losses to Manchester United and Brighton exposed flaws, especially when Chelsea played with ten men. He said he reviewed those matches and acknowledged he could have made better decisions. But he sees those moments as lessons — part of the process. He wants his team to learn rather than defect into criticism.
Maresca on Injury Strain and Squad Depth
In the news conference, the coach also addressed the injury burden. Many key players are sidelined, which has strained rotation options and forced tactical creativity. He named players like Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos among those to assess, saying that he wishes for more hours in the day just to evaluate fitness. But again, the tone stayed hopeful: he trusts the squad will cope.
Mourinho Returns, But Maresca Won’t Fear Shadows
Another subplot looms: Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge, now with Benfica. The former Chelsea manager carries a rich legacy. But Maresca assured the fans that doesn’t see his return as pressure. He called Mourinho a legend and has acknowledged his impact. He also has stressed that Chelsea must play their own game. He won’t let past ghosts dictate current mentality.
Author’s Insight
Maresca’s message isn’t wishful — it’s defensive. In times of pressure, refusing to lean into fear can help steady a team. But it’s not enough to stay positive without improvement. Chelsea’s fixtures beckon: results must follow faith. If Maresca’s trust in his core and his younger players holds, this match could light a spark. If not, critics will return. Either way, optimism must be matched by performance.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
