Enzo Maresca talks Hansi Flick, Pep Guardiola, Pedri, high defensive line, Marc Guiu, Estevao ahead of Chelsea vs Barcelona | OneFootball

A big clash for FC Barcelona approaches as the Catalan giants look set to take on Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League. Set to take place at Stamford Bridge, it is a game that both teams will be looking forward to, considering their respective quality.

Ahead of tomorrow night’s showdown, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca addressed the media in his pre-match press conference, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

For Maresca, this is a big clash and definitely an important one:

“It’s a big week, but at the end of this week, we have another big week. Every match is important. Of course, Barcelona or Arsenal are important for different reasons, and we are ready.”

Speaking about Barça under Hansi Flick, he had nothing but praise for the side:

“Flick’s Barça looks spectacular to me.”

He further elaborated on this by speaking of their progression and how it is a team that does many things well:

“Whenever I watch them, you can always learn something. Last year, they won La Liga and reached the Champions League semifinals. They do many things well, and they are a team that always wants to take the initiative. We will try to do the same.”

Maresca was also asked about Pedri’s absence, and he was quick to admit that it was a loss for everyone who enjoys watching him play:

“It’s not only a loss for Barcelona, it’s a loss for football because he has incredible quality.”

Speaking on a more personal level, he also confessed that it was Guardiola’s Barcelona of the past that made him want to become a coach himself:

“I decided to become a coach because of Guardiola’s Barcelona.”

He also spoke about Pep Guardiola’s journey through the years and the massive influence that he has had on entire leagues at a time:

“If teams decide to play with another style, they are free to choose. I chose my style years ago — the way I want to see my team play. No one can compare with that Barcelona under Pep. They changed football in Spain, with every team trying to play that way. Pep went to Germany, and the national team won. He came to England, and teams here also wanted to play like him, and the national team grew as well. No one can compare.”

Coming back to the match at hand, he did highlight the Barça defensive line and how it is something that needs to be carefully planned against:

“Barça’s high defensive line is something to keep in mind, and you need a good balance between defense and attack.”

He also had some praise for Barcelona ace Robert Lewandowski, and was quite straightforward in terms of his words for him:

“(Robert Lewandowski is) a fantastic player.”

Maresca also highlighted the development of former La Masia striker Marc Guiu, who has been adjusting after a brief loan spell earlier this season.

“Marc is developing very well. He arrived last season and played almost the entire Conference League, scoring six or seven goals. This season has been a bit strange because he went out on loan and came back. We are very happy with him, but he must work to be ready when the opportunity arrives.”

Estêvão, once linked with Barça before joining Chelsea, has impressed Maresca with his quick adaptation at Chelsea and sharp performances.

“He is playing at a very high level. He’s very young and can still improve some things, but we are very happy with him. He’s like Pedri. He’s good for anyone who loves football. We are happy to have him with us. He will be an important player for the club’s future. The most important thing is for him to be happy; he doesn’t have to think about being better than anyone else. He has to work day by day, and he will become a top player.”

With both teams getting ready for the clash, this will be a big test for both Maresca and Hansi Flick. Neither team will want to lose, and Chelsea will definitely try to give their home fans something to cheer about in this fixture.