“The reason why…” – Enzo Maresca on what Chelsea improved in the second half against Fulham | OneFootball

Speaking post game, it was very notable that multiple Chelsea player mentioned that Enzo Maresca had warned them about Fulham being a “strong” team physically, and not just because of Adama Traore.

Maresca emphasises Fulham’s size and strength to his players

Enzo Maresca speaking to Chelsea TV.

“The gaffer said to us they have a good, physical team, we need to win the first and second balls,” Joao Pedro said to TNT Sport after the game.

Those were comments mirrored by his coach in the press conference after the game:

“I’m very happy. First of all, as you said, because three games, seven points, it’s important. I’m very happy in general. Today I was not happy after the first-half. The reason why is because we didn’t play on the ball in the way we prepared the game. And we were not good enough in the second ball and duels.

“While in the second-half I think we were very good on the ball and we were very, very good in the second ball and duels. And I think we deserve to win the game. We dominated the second half. And against this team, if you are not strong enough, you struggle.”

Focus shifts to the physical as Chelsea try to compete

It’s interesting to see that focus from the coach on the duels and the physical challenge. The whole league certainly moved in that direction, with former tiki taka merchants like Arsenal and Man City building very large, strong sides.

Joao Pedro is the best example of that – he’s an absolute tank and basically won us that game on Saturday by being too physical at a corner for Fulham’s defenders to handle. He, along with guys like Andrey Santos, have made us a much more competitive team in those areas this season.