FANS have slammed Enzo Maresca after he said Chelsea’s 4-1 thrashing by Celtic was “10 times better” than their last game.
The Blues got their latest new era off to an underwhelming start earlier this week in a dismal 2-2 draw in California against third-tier side Wrexham.
Reigning Scottish champions Celtic have already beaten Manchester City 4-3 in midweek after thrashing DC United 4-0.
But new boss Maresca reckons a 4-1 defeat by Brendan Rodgers’ side was a far better performance than their feisty draw in California to third-tier side Wrexham.
He said: “For us, we need to analyse the game in general. I think on the ball, the team were 10 times better than in the game against Wrexham.
“And that is important because we can see the amount of chances we created first-half and second-half.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
“And off the ball, for sure, we can improve things and you can see sometimes we confused when we need to play short, a little bit longer. It’s part of the process.”
Most fans know not to get carried away by pre-season friendlies.
But some were very concerned with Maresca’s words from last night’s game.
One called him “deluded”.
Most read in Football
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
While another who agreed added: “Delusional Maresca.”
A third then put: “Today’s game was awful.”
The result will hardly concern Maresca at this stage – Celtic have played four games so far while his side have only encountered two.
And his side will have a chance for a comeback as Chelsea face Mexican side Club American on Wednesday in Georgia.
Chelsea’s pre-season tour
Here is a look at Chelsea’s full tour of the USA:
RESULTS
- Chelsea 2 Wrexham 2 – July 24
FIXTURES
- Chelsea vs Celtic – July 27 – Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, Indiana
- Chelsea vs Club America – July 31 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
- Chelsea vs Manchester City – August 3 – Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio
- Chelsea vs Real Madrid – August 6 – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Gotham FC vs Chelsea Women – August 19 – Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey
- Chelsea Women vs Arsenal Women – August 25 – Audi Field, Washington DC
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk