Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is urging his side to regroup quickly as they prepare for Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Benfica at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues were left frustrated on Saturday’s 3–1 defeat to Brighton. Chelsea dominated the first half and went led the game through Enzo Fernández’s fine strike, Softfootball reported.
However, the game turned when Trevoh Chalobah was sent off early in the second period for denying a clear scoring opportunity.
Brighton took advantage of the extra man, with Danny Welbeck equalizing before Maxim De Cuyper struck in stoppage time. Welbeck added a late third to seal the visitors’ comeback.
Enzo Maresca admitted that the loss was difficult to take after such a promising start. Speaking via the club’s official media, he said:
The frustration is there because we scored one and could’ve scored more than one.
If we score the second one, even with ten players, it’s better to defend a two-goal lead. It’s a moment we’re giving away presents, and we cannot continue to do this.
There will be little time to dwell on the setback. Former Chelsea manager José Mourinho, now in charge of Benfica, returns to London aiming to make a statement with his side at Stamford Bridge. Maresca insists his players will be ready for the challenge.
He said:
We have 72 hours and we go again
Fortunately, we have the game in three days, so it’s a matter of recovering energy and we will try to win on Tuesday.
Chelsea remain focused on maintaining their strong start in Europe, and Maresca believes a sharp response at home will show the character of his squad as the group stage gathers pace.
