Maresca given tough question about Chelsea’s “box high line” which hurt them last year | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca was given a tactical question in his press conference yesterday about his Chelsea team’s “box high line” which helped them defend further up the pitch last year.

The Blues haven’t been as solid this time out, and thanks to the endless defensive injuries they’re struggling after a decent start to the season at the back.

Maresca on box high line last year

Liverpool score from Chelsea’s high line in October 2024.

Maresca agreed that he had been impressed by their efforts a year ago, but also noted there was more work to do:

“To try to continue to evolve [is our plan], the coach said.

“I think our defensive line was very good last year. I think in goals conceded, after Liverpool and Arsenal, it was Chelsea. So that shows we did something important. But it’s not enough, you always have to try and evolve to add things, to see how we can do better.”

It was the high line which hurt Chelsea a year ago in this game, when Curtis Jones was allowed to ghost in behind as there was confusion between defenders about where to set the offside line. After working so hard to get back into that game at Anfield, it was a painful moment.

Chelsea face tough choices in defence

We don’t even know who will play in defence today, let alone how they will play it. We assume Benoit Badiashile will be fit enough to give it a go, but alongside him it’s a tossup between natural left back Jorrel Hato and teenager Josh Acheampong.

Neither is an ideal choice against last season’s champions. We also have to think about how we trouble them in attack. Given our defensive struggles, scoring a few goals may be the best chance we have of getting a point.