Maresca: What did he say after the dramatic clash against Benfica?

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca shared his impressions after the dramatic clash against Benfica in the Club World Cup. According to him, it was one of the team's most well-prepared and convincing matches in recent months.

"We maintained dominance on the field from the start of the match until the 85th minute. We kept the opponent under pressure and didn’t allow them to create serious chances. My team looked very good. This was a clear example of the high-level football expected from us," said Maresca.

However, according to the coach, the two-hour break before the second half completely disrupted their rhythm. "When we returned to the pitch, it felt like we were playing a different game. The original tempo, mindset, and tactical plan disappeared. We tried to play the same way, but it didn’t work," he added.

Maresca also openly spoke about losing their lead. He noted that Benfica became more active in the final minutes and that it wasn’t just a coincidence. "For 85 minutes we didn’t give them any chance, but in the final moments they created one and scored. They needed a goal — and they got it. This is football, and such twists are natural," the coach emphasized.

According to him, one of the most painful moments in football is losing a result at the last minute. "When we entered the locker room, we felt like we were winning. But when we came back, the field showed another reality. It’s not easy," concluded Maresca.

For your information, in the quarterfinals of the tournament, Chelsea will face one of Brazil’s strongest clubs — Palmeiras. Now Maresca's team must quickly recover and prepare for the next challenge. The road has many obstacles, but every match is a new opportunity. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!