Maresca wants Chelsea reset after poor performance vs Leeds that saw them slump to a 3-1 defeat to Farke’s side.
Maresca says Chelsea must reset after Leeds defeat.
After a humiliating loss against Leeds, Enzo Maresca acknowledged that Chelsea were second best “in all aspects,” and the head coach made no excuses as his team’s chances of challenging for the Premier League crown were severely damaged.
After faltering in West Yorkshire, where Leeds emerged victorious 3-1 on a night when Daniel Farke’s team escaped the relegation zone, Maresca’s team is now in fourth place and nine points behind the leaders, Arsenal.
The Italian revealed that after a difficult week, with outstanding performances against Barcelona and Arsenal, he was left with little choice but to rotate his players, with Wesley Fofana and Reece James missing out at Elland Road. That, he added, resulted to his side failing to attain the expected level.
“I think they were better than us in all the aspects,” Maresca said. “They deserved to win the game. There’s nothing we can take from the game. The only thing we can do is try to understand the mistakes we’ve made and try to reset. In 48 hours we’ve another game.” Chelsea visit Bournemouth on Saturday.
He added: “When you play the way we have in the last two games against Barcelona and Arsenal, you expect a better performance. But for many reasons it’s not going to be possible. We changed players and when you change players the level drops because the reality is they’re important players for us.”
Following rumours that his position was in jeopardy, the outcome reduced some of the pressure on Farke. However, the Leeds boss acknowledged he had not given any consideration to that kind of discourse before or after the critical win.
“I didn’t have the feeling we weren’t united. Elland Road was back at its best and I didn’t see any negative comments or doubts. We’re such a passionate club and it’s quite known, the outside noise. But I never felt we weren’t united.
“It’s been a long time coming. To bring everything together against one of the best sides in the world, it was really deserved. We were the better side. It’s a great night for everyone.”