Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca shared his satisfaction following the team’s 0-0 draw with Everton at Goodison Park. Despite Chelsea’s inability to capitalize on chances and secure a victory, Maresca praised Everton’s defensive organization and the resilience shown by his players.
“I’m absolutely delighted with the result,” Maresca stated during the post-match press conference. “I told the players I’m more pleased with this performance than the one against Brentford.
We knew this match would be a tough challenge, considering Everton’s defensive record is one of the best in Europe. They make it incredibly difficult to create opportunities, and we had to adapt our approach to the game.”
Addressing Chelsea’s second-half strategy, Maresca admitted that unlocking Everton’s defense was a significant challenge. “We knew from the start that it wouldn’t be easy to generate clear-cut chances. In the second half, we made some tactical changes to improve our attacking play.
For instance, Enzo Fernandez moved into a more advanced role, and we made other adjustments. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the breakthrough, but I’m proud of how the team adapted and kept pushing until the final whistle.”
Maresca was particularly impressed with Tosin Adarabioyo’s defensive display, highlighting a crucial block he made to deny Everton a scoring opportunity. “Tosin was exceptional, and the entire defensive line played solidly. Keeping a clean sheet is vital, especially when dealing with injuries. The players showed great resilience and determination, which are qualities we can continue to build on.”
He also commended goalkeeper Robert Sanchez for his contribution to the clean sheet. “Robert did a great job, even though he wasn’t tested too often. The few saves he had to make were critical, and it’s evident that his dedication in training is paying off. We’re pleased with his performance.”
Maresca acknowledged the challenging conditions at Goodison Park, noting the impact of the windy weather on both teams’ playing styles. “It was a different kind of game, one that involved long balls, second balls, and set pieces. Despite the conditions, our players adapted well and showed a lot of togetherness, which was fantastic to see. We’ll gladly take this point and shift our focus to preparing for the next match.”
The Chelsea boss reiterated the importance of building on this result, emphasizing the positives, including the team’s defensive solidity and adaptability under difficult circumstances. For Maresca, the match offered valuable lessons as Chelsea continues to develop its approach and navigate the challenges of the Premier League season.