“I prefer” – Enzo Maresca comes out fighting as he fiercely backs his style of football | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has backed his possession based philosophy ahead of Chelsea’s game against Tottenham on Saturday.

The Blues travel to north London looking to return to winning ways in the league having lost to Sunderland last weekend. 

Chelsea desperately need the three points and head into the game in ninth, having lost three of their last five league matches, whilst Spurs sit third after a good start under Thomas Frank.

Enzo Maresca backs his style of football

Chelsea play a possession heavy style of football under Maresca, but surprisingly haven’t won the four games where they’ve had their highest possession so far this season.

A similar pattern occurred last season as well, and at a time where teams are now reverting to long throw-ins and set pieces, Maresca fiercely backed his style ahead of the Tottenham game.

Chelsea have struggled to defend set pieces this season. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

“It’s football,” Maresca said as quoted by Mail Sport.

“Everyone tries to use their own threat. If there are teams that think it will work for them and create more chances, why not? Everyone is trying to use different weapons.

“The problem against Sunderland was we didn’t attack well enough. I prefer the ball as much as we can. Their manager (Thomas Frank) last year played some games with a back five (with Brentford).

“This year they (Tottenham) are playing back four. They played back five against PSG at the beginning of the season. I don’t know. We expect both. We need to be ready.”

Chelsea have been exposed from set pieces

The Blues have conceded a number of goals from long throws and set pieces this season, and it’s a weakness other teams have exploited.

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Chelsea once again conceded from a long throw in against Wolves, just as they did in the defeat against Sunderland.

Spurs have looked dangerous from set pieces this season, but Maresca has insisted Chelsea have been working on defending long throws, and hopefully they show signs of improvement starting on Saturday.