Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faces a challenging task as he attempts to rectify the defensive issues that have plagued his side, highlighted once again in their 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the final match of their U.S. tour.
With the Premier League season opener against Manchester City just around the corner, Maresca is under pressure to solidify his team’s backline and develop a cohesive strategy that mitigates the recurring problem of conceding too many goals.
In the match against a youthful Real Madrid side, Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities were on full display. First-half goals from Dani Ceballos and Brahim Diaz exploited Chelsea’s high defensive line, a problem Maresca acknowledged was a carryover from last season under former manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Despite Noni Madueke’s header in the 39th minute, Chelsea struggled to mount a significant comeback, showing the urgent need for defensive improvements.
Maresca has been vocal about the necessity of adjusting the team’s defensive tactics. “One of my first meetings with the squad was about the amount of goals we conceded last year with the defensive line very high,” Maresca explained. “We are trying to drop the defensive line a little bit, usually about four or five meters, just to have some advantage. Last year, we already conceded many goals with this problem. Hopefully, we can solve it very soon.”
The Chelsea manager emphasized that the defensive issues are not limited to the backline, which includes talented players such as Reece James, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, and Malo Gusto. Instead, Maresca views it as a team-wide problem that requires a collective effort to address.
The match against Real Madrid highlighted Chelsea’s defensive shortcomings, especially in the face of quality opposition. Vinicius Jr., in his first pre-season start after competing in the Copa America, demonstrated his class and challenged Chelsea’s high defensive line. His dynamic play and relentless work rate created several opportunities for Madrid, emphasizing the need for Chelsea to improve their defensive organization.
Vinicius showed his ability to press effectively and exploit spaces behind the Chelsea defense. He provided the assist for Diaz’s goal, further highlighting the issues Chelsea faced against Madrid’s attacking threats. As Real Madrid prepares for their UEFA Super Cup clash against Atalanta, the focus on new signings like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham remains, but Vinicius’s performance reaffirmed his status as a world-class attacker.
In addition to defensive concerns, Chelsea’s attacking options remain a topic of discussion. With Romelu Lukaku and Armando Broja expected to leave the club, Chelsea’s striker options are limited. Marc Guiu, an 18-year-old signed from Barcelona, has been given opportunities in pre-season but struggled against the formidable Madrid defense.
Christopher Nkunku, who impressed in a midfield role, is currently Chelsea’s best option to lead the attack. However, Maresca is keen on bolstering the squad with additional striking talent. The club is actively pursuing transfers, with Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen among the potential targets to enhance their offensive depth.
As Chelsea prepares to face Inter Milan in their final pre-season friendly at Stamford Bridge, Maresca will continue to focus on stabilizing the team’s defense and refining their tactical approach. The challenge is not just about correcting past mistakes but also ensuring the team is well-prepared to compete at the highest level in the upcoming Premier League season.
