Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is focused on resolving his team’s persistent defensive problems following a 2-1 defeat to a youthful Real Madrid side in Charlotte, the final match of their United States tour.
Real Madrid’s goals came from Dani Ceballos and Brahim Diaz, who scored in the 19th and 27th minutes, respectively. Ceballos capitalised on a deflected Lucas Vazquez shot, while Diaz finished from a tight angle past new Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.
Chelsea’s lone goal was a header from Noni Madueke, following a cross from Enzo Fernandez in the 39th minute.
Despite a more solid defensive performance in the second half, where the Blues played out a goalless period and Christopher Nkunku missed a one-on-one chance, Chelsea’s vulnerabilities at the back were evident.
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They have now conceded 12 goals in five pre-season games in the US.
Maresca has highlighted the team’s defensive issues as a significant area of concern, particularly the high defensive line that has been a recurring problem. He noted that the high line is a habit from last season under Mauricio Pochettino, where Chelsea set an unwanted club record by conceding 63 goals in the league.
“We are trying to drop the defensive line a little bit, usually about four or five meters, just to have some advantage,” Maresca said. “Last year, we already conceded many goals with this problem. Hopefully, we can solve it very soon.”
Enzo Maresca focused on Inter game
Chelsea will face Inter Milan in their final friendly at Stamford Bridge on Sunday before kicking off their Premier League season at home against champions Manchester City on August 18.
Real Madrid, still missing several star players, will next face Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw on August 14.
The match will be a curtain-raiser for European competitions, pitting the Champions League winners against the Europa League victors.
The post Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca concerned with defensive issues after defeat to Real Madrid first appeared on 3News.
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