In this video
- Asked about coaching against Jose Mourinho in one of his spiritual homes, Maresca said it is absolutely a privilege to face him. He called him a legend for this club and for different clubs.
- Asked if the game is difficult to prepare, Maresca said probably a little more, as he thinks they have played three or four games under Mourinho. It will be completely different from the Club World Cup game.
“I would like one day for sure, but it's not my target.”
- Asked about rotating with key players injured, Maresca said the Champions League requires a high level. Three players with small problems will be assessed that afternoon, and he thinks the squad can cover.
- Asked how he keeps spirits up, Maresca said they need to be positive, and personally he sees no reason to be negative. The club showed him that four of their five defeats in six months came with a red card.
- Asked about Benfica tactically, Maresca said he expects two or three different things, including a back five, and they have a plan for them. Mourinho has shown in his career how well he plays with different shapes.
- Asked how he coaches out the ill discipline, Maresca said that after reviewing the Manchester United and Brighton games, he probably could have done better with his decisions. He called it a learning process.
- Asked if Mourinho deserves credit for laying the foundations of Chelsea's success, Maresca said he is a legend for this club and for Inter. He is not here to think about what he deserves.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca speaks ahead of their Champions League showdown with Benfica and his first-ever tactical face-off with the legendary, the special one José Mourinho.
In the pre-match press conference, Maresca reflected on the honor of going head-to-head with one of football’s most iconic managers José Mourinho, calling it a privilege to coach against Mourinho in one of his spiritual homes Benfica.
He addressed the pressure of the new Champions League format, the need to win home games, and Chelsea’s injury concerns with key names like Caicedo, João Pedro, and André Santos under assessment.
🎥 Watch the full press conference for insights into Chelsea game plan for their match vs Benfica,, and what to expect from Chelsea in their champions league campaign!
