Manager Enzo Maresca has stated that Chelsea will learn from their defeat against Liverpool and will not be discouraged by a tough schedule of Premier League games against Manchester United, Arsenal, and Newcastle United.
With 14 points from eight games, Chelsea is now sixth in the rankings after going two games without a victory.
Even though they lost 2-1 at Anfield, Maresca gave his team high marks and stated that they are prepared to take on further challenges in a league as competitive as the Premier League.
“The Liverpool game was very good. We were good with the ball and without the ball,” Maresca told reporters ahead of Sunday’s home game against Newcastle.
“For sure there are many things we could do better. We could attack better in the final third.
” But the guys were brave trying to press man-to-man.
“We need to play against all of them. We have met Liverpool and now have three games in a row against Newcastle, Manchester United and Arsenal.
” But the Premier League is tough,” he added, pointing to Bournemouth’s win over Arsenal last weekend.
But with Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson fighting for the starting striker spot, Maresca has a problem.
After regaining his fitness, Nkunku has scored eight goals across all competitions, while Jackson has five goals to lead the team’s league scoring rankings.
“We know Nicolas Jackson is very important for us.
“On the ball, he’s scoring, assists, and linking with his teammates.
” Off the ball, he’s working hard, pressing the way we want to press. He’s doing fantastic,” Maresca said.
“We have Christopher Nkunku also who is going to help us because the season is very long, we have so many games, and also the game plan can be more for Christopher than Nico. We can choose.”
With a victory, Newcastle, who are now two points behind Chelsea in ninth place, may overtake them, and Maresca was concerned about their size and strength.
“Probably, they’ve been a bit unlucky, in the last game against Brighton (& Hove Albion, a 1-0 loss), but I think they deserve some more points,” Maresca said.
“The way they work, (they’ve had) many years together, it’s quite clear.
” I really like Newcastle and now is a chance for a team to do good because they are in a difficult (phase).”
