Manager Enzo Maresca says Chelsea can beat ‘any team’
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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is expecting a tough test against Arsenal despite the Gunners taking just one point from their last three Premier League matches.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Enzo Maresca says in-form Chelsea believe that they can “win against any team” as he prepares for their English Premier League home match against Arsenal on Nov 10.
The Blues have a poor record against the Gunners in recent years – losing four and drawing one of their last five encounters – but are above their rivals on goal difference in the league table ahead of the clash.
“In this moment, the feeling from us is that we can compete and we can win against any team,” said manager Maresca, whose team hammered Armenian side Noah 8-0 in the Europa Conference League on Nov 7.
“But if you don’t take it seriously and if you don’t do the right things, also you can lose against any team. But for sure we have the right feeling that we’re going in the right direction and hopefully Sunday we can give our fans a good day.”
The Italian also said he was expecting a tough test against Mikel Arteta’s team, despite them having taken just one point from their past three Premier League matches.
“For me they are the closest one (to Liverpool) with (Manchester) City. Both, I consider them better than the rest,” he added.
“And the reason why I said many times is because one club (City) is working with the same manager nine years, and the other one is working with the same manager five years.
“And this is a big, big, big, huge advantage compared to the rest.”
Arsenal beat Chelsea 5-0 in their last meeting before Maresca took charge and he said he is wary of their set-piece threat in particular.
“Mentally it will be very tough,” he said. “Set pieces, they are very good. I watched their Champions League game against Inter Milan and every corner (they had) was smelling of a goal.”
As for his side, he said he was happy with Chelsea’s progress during his first season in charge.
“The good thing is that we are there, and you cannot see a big difference when we play this kind of game (against a major rival) and this is the most important thing,” Maresca said.
“For sure I don’t have a doubt if it’s Sunday or it’s the next game, but for sure we’re going to be there and win this kind of (big) game, no doubt.”
The game will be a first meeting as adversaries between Maresca and Arteta, two managers who cut their coaching teeth as assistants to Pep Guardiola at City.
“Probably we both have to be thankful because we worked beside the one that I consider the best manager in the world,” said Maresca. “We’ve both been quite lucky to work with Pep.”
On the injury front, the 44-year-old said he hopes to have Cole Palmer available for the game despite an injury scare.
The forward has started this season with seven goals and five assists in 10 Premier League games.
He was not registered in Chelsea’s Conference League squad for the group stage, which meant he did not play in the win over Noah, and the 22-year-old has not trained this week.
“Hopefully we can have him for the (training) session at least Saturday and then we’ll take a decision,” Maresca said. “Cole is getting better, but because he can walk and have dinner doesn’t mean he is completely fit.” AFP, REUTERS
