Maresca highlights 2 reasons for Chelsea’s woeful defeat by Celtic

Enzo Maresca has shed light on Chelsea's first loss in pre-season after a 4-1 thrashing by Celtic at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday. 

The Blues started well in in South Bend but conceded first to Matt O'Rilley in the 19th minute before Kyogo Furuhashi doubled the Scottish champions' advantage just after the half-hour mark. 

An error-strewn showing at the back was punished by Celtic in the game's concluding quarter as Luis Palma and Michael Johnston rubbed salt into the wounds of the West London club. 

While a Christopher Nkunku penalty meant the Premier League side avoided losing by a heavier margin, the loss was indicative of how much work still needs to be done for the Stamford Bridge club under their new boss. 

The Italian manager’s second game in charge of the club did not produce the desired result, leaving the Blues winless after two games in pre-season after an earlier 2-2 draw with Wrexham. 

Maresca explained that Celtic were much sharper than his players still learning his ideas and modus operandi. 

“I think it was quite clear the difference between us and them in terms of physical condition,” said the Blues head coach on Celtic who begin their Premiership title defence on August 4.

“You can see that they are a team that in one week they are going to start their season while for us it was our second game after Wrexham.

The Chelsea head coach then analysed what could have been done better by his players on the pitch. 

“Off the ball, we could do something better,” Maresca admitted. “We also struggled to understand when to play short and when to play long.”

Chelsea hope to notch their first pre-season victory when they play Club America at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 1.