After Chelsea‘s 4-2 friendly defeat to Manchester City on Saturday night in Ohio, Pep Guardiola has stated that he “likes” the playing style Enzo Maresca is trying to establish at Chelsea.
After being fouled by Levi Colwill, the Norwegian striker opened the score in the fourth minute from the penalty spot, looking in excellent form.
A minute later, Reece James placed Moises Caicedo under pressure, and the Ecuadorian international’s erroneous ball was intercepted by Haaland, who scored nicely past Robert Sanchez, putting Chelsea two goals behind.
In the 56th minute, Oscar Bobb’s excellent reverse shot completed a City assault that Raheem Sterling’s missed ball had started, making Maresca’s team pay for yet another careless pass.
Haaland then made it four for City as another mistake in possession in Chelsea’s midfield, this time from Malo Gusto, led to a swift transition from Guardiola’s side. Haaland stormed through and produced another excellent finish which gave Sanchez little chance.
Chelsea did pull two goals back through Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke, but fans will undoubtedly be concerned over the nature of yet another defeat this summer.
The result means Maresca’s side have registered just one win during their pre-season tour of the United States against Club America, while they have been beaten by Celtic and City and were held to a 2-2 draw by Wrexham.
However, Guardiola is adamant that Chelsea are heading in the right direction under Maresca, who he worked alongside during their time together at City.
When asked about Chelsea’s mistakes with playing out from the back under Maresca during pre-season, Guardiola replied: ‘It’s happened due to the pitch conditions.
‘At Stamford Bridge, this would not happen.
‘Let me say this, I see what Enzo wants to do and I like it. And I don’t just say that because he’s my friend.’
Maresca, meanwhile, insists there are still positive signs from his Chelsea team despite the defeat against City.
‘I don’t have any doubt in terms of the progress the team is doing at the moment,’ Maresca said.
‘The mistake is part of the process. I knew City for many years, even in friendly games, they don’t concede chances or possession but in the first-half I don’t remember them making six or seven passes in a row. So that is a good thing.’
Maresca also believes the pitch did play a factor in some of the loose passes during the game.
‘Sometimes when we say something it sounds like an excuse but for sure the pitch doesn’t help,’ said the Chelsea manager.
‘This type of pitch slows down the ball. In this moment, we need to learn things. We need to learn when you concede one, you cannot concede another one. When we concede one it is the moment we need to become stronger to not concede another.’
Chelsea play will play City in their Premier League opener at Stamford Bridge on August 18.