Maresca defends Chelsea’s style after pre-season draw with Wrexham

Chelsea, under new manager Enzo Maresca, drew 2-2 with League One side Wrexham at Levi’s Stadium in a heated pre-season friendly. Maresca’s Chelsea coaching career began with this match at Santa Clara, California. Maresca maintained his possession-based approach despite Wrexham’s two second-half goals due to defensive errors.

Maresca defends Chelsea’s style after pre-season draw with Wrexham

Maresca, who led Leicester City to a Championship victory, said he is willing to risk allowing goals while developing from the back. Not too many, hopefully. Building from behind involves this risk “Maresca said. He insisted in his style, saying the team would score more than they concede.

Wrexham, owned by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, impressed throughout the contest. Their second US pre-season tour capitalizes on their rising popularity. Manager Phil Parkinson’s club, playing in the third tier for the first time since 2005, performed well.

Three minutes into the contest, Chelsea’s Levi Colwill and Wrexham’s James McClean had a brawl that may have resulted in red cards. Marriott scored Wrexham’s second goal after Ugochukwu’s blunder gave Bolton an equalizer and young Josh Acheampong had an aggressive play. Coordination between substitutes Angelo Gabriel, Armando Broja, and Ugochukwu led to Chelsea’s equalizer.

Maresca builds slowly and emphasizes possession. Chelsea’s open training session earlier in the week showed a major tactical shift from former manager Mauricio Pochettino’s high-energy style. Three defenders, a full-back in midfield, and two central midfielders pushed high formed a front five. Second-half substitutions unable to match the first-half performance.

Maresca acknowledged his early tenure, saying, “The first XI is too early to consider. Tonight was to give everyone 45 minutes.” He stressed the development of the team’s identity, which he believes is taking shape.

Chelsea will play Celtic at Notre Dame to complete their US tour. Maresca wants to use these pre-season matches to get to know his team and cement their style before the season.