Following the 1-1 draw at home to Crystal Palace in the 3rd round of the Premier League, Chelsea manager Maresca attended a press conference to give a full review of the game and answer media concerns.
Maresca began by recognizing his team's performance, believing that Chelsea fully deserved to win the game. "We controlled the game without conceding a threatening goal first, and our opponents only had one shot in the first half that hit within the goal box." He particularly praised his team's goal in the second half, describing it as a brilliant piece of play. However, he also regretted that the team lost control of the game after conceding the goal and the game became up and down, which is not in line with Chelsea's style of play. Nevertheless, Maresca believes that the team still had several chances to win the game late in the game.
Maresca expressed frustration at the controversy over Will Hughes not being sent off. "We were 1-0 up and that could have been a yellow card and the game situation would have been changed by that." He revealed that the fourth official told him the referee didn't think it was a yellow card, so he respected the referee's decision.
Speaking on defense, Maresca said he wasn't particularly worried about his team's inability to keep a clean sheet. "We conceded goals, but we didn't give our opponents any more chances." He believes the team needs to improve in many areas, not just defense. Regarding Maro Gusto's injury, he revealed that it is a muscle problem that needs further examination.
On the news that Nikolai Jaksson has signed a new contract, Maresca expressed his delight. "Nikolai has done very well for us, both on and off the field." He revealed that Nikola has scored two goals and has full confidence in him. He also denied rumors that Chelsea are looking for other strikers in the summer window, stating that the club has a lot of trust in Nicola.
When it comes to the use of VAR, Maresca believes it should play a role in incidents like Will Hughes. "I think it's the right way to do it." He said that if VAR had intervened, then Will Hughes would have probably been sent off, which would have changed the course of the game.
On the addition of Sancho, Maresca said he was signed to bolster the team's offense. "We like players like this, especially when facing low tackles in the attacking third." He argued that Chelsea created a number of clear-cut chances despite their opponents' low blocking tactics.
Speaking about the transfer market, Maresca said Chelsea will only sign the players they want and the conditions must be right. "If the player is not here, then it means the conditions are not good for us." He revealed that Chelsea may reconsider reinforcements in the January transfer window.
Finally, Maresca spoke about the upcoming UEFA Europa League match away to the Kazakh side. "Tomorrow we will rest and then have three days of training." He said that it is too early to talk about the December matches and that the team will focus on the next training and matches.
