Enzo Maresca explained how Saturday’s match with Manchester City is another chance to keep working on Chelsea’s new style of play and is relishing the opportunity to bring even more joy to fans in the USA.
Maresca only started working with the Blues’ players at the start of July so has explained throughout the tour of the USA why the result is not essential at this stage of his team’s development, with the priority being his squad implementing the aspects of play they are trying to introduce during training sessions and in their team meetings.
It is a point the Italian reiterated following the 2-2 draw with Wrexham on July 24 and again following the 4-1 loss to Celtic, with the Scottish champions on the verge of starting their SPL title defence while the Blues were only just beginning pre-season.
Enzo Maresca and Pep Guardiola during their time together at Manchester City
Maresca highlighted how there has been progression in each game and on Wednesday night in Atlanta, the Blues produced a stunning first half of attacking football against Mexican champions Club America.
Chelsea will face a tougher challenge at the iconic Ohio Stadium on Saturday as they take on reigning Premier League title holders Manchester City.
But Maresca stressed: ‘The target is to continue to try our things, the things we started doing since day one. Try to continue to improve day by day.’
On pre-season in general, he continued: ‘We are improving. For sure, when you have this amount of games, the focus is on the game but in this moment, we are using the games like training sessions because in this moment, our target is focusing on what we can improve.’
One of the players who has started every game of pre-season is captain Reece James, as he continues to regain full fitness after missing much of the 2023–24 season through injury.
Maresca was asked whether he would have to leave James out at some point due to the defender missing the first three matches of the domestic season through suspension following his red card against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Noni Madueke with former NFL star Cam Newton after our win over Club America
‘Probably yes,’ Maresca replied. ‘We will see if it is tomorrow or one of the games ahead. Because he is suspended, we need to try without him.’
The Blues are playing five matches in the USA this summer as part of pre-season preparations.
The matches in Santa Clara, Notre Dame, Atlanta and Columbus will be followed by Tuesday’s clash against Real Madrid in Charlotte.
And Maresca said: ‘It is fantastic because we can share time with our fans abroad, not only in England but here abroad.
‘It is nice because you see people are happy, especially many kids who are happy to see Chelsea, Manchester City and teams like Club America; they are here just to enjoy the football game, so we are happy.’
Supporters in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland can watch the match against Manchester City live on the official Chelsea website and app for £4.99.
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