“I don’t have any doubt” – Maresca says he will improve this player’s goals and assists “starting next season” | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has just taken his press conference ahead of Chelsea’s huge game against Manchester United tomorrow night, and the Blues boss was asked about what his plans were for taking on Ruben Amorim’s distinctive back 5 system.

Chelsea have struggled against some defensive setups this season, and Maresca was queried over whether there could be issues tomorrow, especially without Nicolas Jackson there to lead the line. He insisted that, in fact, our results against back 5 systems had been good this season.

Maresca defends record against back 5s

Chelsea team look delighted after big win at Wolves.

“I think if you go back, we won almost all the games against low blocks and back five,” the manager said.

“The only difference is that when we face these kinds of teams, probably we didn’t attack quick in the way people like. But 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. It’s just a matter to play, to learn, to play differently.”

Enzo Fernandez to be a key part tomorrow and beyond

He is going to have to use a false 9, as he mentioned in other comments about the game. One person who is going to have to step up is Enzo Fernandez, who has been in great form in terms of goals and assists in recent weeks. We’ll need more of that tomorrow.

Maresca was asked to explain a little about how he had worked with the Argentine to make him more effective:

“It’s both [work on and off the pitch]. At the beginning, because he was playing in one way all his life, previously with Benfica and Argentina, with us it’s more understanding where he has to stay and where he has to arrive when we are attacking. I think he scores goals but also in terms of assists he has important numbers. I don’t have any doubt that starting next season, from the first game, he can improve his numbers even more.”

Before we worry too much about next season though, we’ve got to worry a little about tomorrow.