In the first round of the Premier League, Chelsea drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace and missed a good start! After the game, Chelsea coach Maresca attended the press conference.
Is {nothing frustrated by failing to score the winning goal?
Maresca: "We always tried to win. Unfortunately, we failed to win, but I think overall we deserved the victory, both in the first and second half, we created enough opportunities. Apart from the free kicks that were judged to be invalid, I don't think the opponents got a clear chance. But at the same time, we know how tenacious Crystal Palace is and how tight their tactical organization is. That's why they were able to beat Liverpool and win the last two finals."
How does Estewan's performance be?
Maresca: "He performed very well. He showed his personal traits, which has long been revealed in training. There is no doubt that step by step, he will become an extremely important player in the club." How did Josh Achimpon play?
Maresca: "Very good, very good. We have shown trust in him last year. He has played several games before. Today he performed very well, especially the success limits Mattha's performance. In short, he has contributed an excellent game."
Do you think Chelsea has fewer pre-season games than Crystal Palace and many other teams, which has affected the performance of this game?
Maresca: "I don't think so. Because we fought to the last moment and were still striving to win. At the end of the game, Estewan and Santos created opportunities. This just shows that our overall competitiveness is quite good. Of course, the opponent played about seven or eight games. We only played two warm-up games last week, but we allocated players' playing time through rotation. So for us, this game is the real first game of the season. But what is certain is that the team's form will gradually improve."
Crystal Palace may be wronged by being criticized for being snatched by a free kick goal, but are you disappointed that Matteta did not get a second yellow card for a foul on Kesedo?
Maresca: "No, I was at the scene at that time, and the distance was very close. It was indeed a foul action. The referee decided not to show a yellow card, so we accept this penalty."
How serious is Adarabioyo's injury?
Maresca: "There is a problem with his physical condition, and the specific recession time has not been determined. Fofana has entered the bench, but it was not arranged to play in order to integrate into the team atmosphere. I hope that the next game will gradually increase his playing time."
You mentioned that Adara Biou is the only player who can replace Colville. Did this injury make you deeply worried?
Maresca: "I have explained this matter."
How urgent is it to improve the efficiency of the offensive ending?
Maresca: "I have emphasized many times: I never consider the ownership of the league championship in June or May, nor do I expect the end of the season. My mind is always focused on the next game, the next game. For me, the only thing that matters now is Friday's game, that's all."