February 26th 2025.
Chelsea secured a resounding victory over Southampton with a brilliant performance that left Enzo Maresca, the team's coach, very pleased. However, despite Christopher Nkunku's impressive performance, Maresca believes that there is still room for improvement from the young attacker.
The Blues have been facing a tough time in recent games, struggling to find their form during the winter period. To add to their troubles, their star player Nicolas Jackson has been out of action due to an injury, which has been a significant blow to the team. Maresca has been trying out different tactics, including playing Nkunku in the center, but has faced criticism for not living up to his high price tag of £65 million since moving to Stamford Bridge.
Nevertheless, Nkunku managed to break the deadlock in the game against Southampton, with Maresca choosing to play him on the wing and Pedro Neto up front. Neto also proved to be a key player, doubling Chelsea's lead with a well-taken finish, followed by goals from Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella, which sealed the victory for the team. It was a moment of relief for the home crowd, who had been anxiously waiting for a win after three consecutive games without a win.
Maresca, speaking to TNT Sports after the game, expressed his happiness and relief at the team's performance. He acknowledged that they had been going through a rough patch, but the players had been giving their all in each game. He also mentioned that the fans needed this win, and it was a much-needed boost for the club.
When asked about Nkunku's display, Maresca was pleased with his performance but believes that he can do even better. He explained that Nkunku is not a traditional striker, and they have been using him in different positions to find the right balance for the team. Despite their struggles, Chelsea managed to secure the win and climbed back into the top four in the Premier League table.
Maresca admitted that the team has been facing a difficult period, with several key players out due to injuries. He had no choice but to experiment with different players in the attacking positions, including starting Neto up front. The coach explained that they needed someone with pace and the ability to threaten the opposition's defense, which Neto provided.
The game also saw four young Chelsea players, including Amougou and Palmer, coming on in the second half. Maresca revealed that due to the injuries, they had to look for solutions within the team and give chances to the youngsters. He highlighted the commitment and hard work of the players, despite the challenges they have faced this season.
Maresca believes that the team has been performing well throughout the season, but it is normal to have some bad moments. He has been pushing the players to continue believing in their abilities and trust the process. The coach also expressed his gratitude to the fans for their support and urged them to trust the players, who have been giving their all on the field. He hopes to see more determination and commitment from the team until the end of the season.
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