Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca insists his team proved they can compete at Europe’s top level despite falling 3-1 to Bayern Munich.
The Blues created several chances early on but were undone by Trevoh Chalobah’s own goal and a Harry Kane brace. Cole Palmer struck for Chelsea, but Bayern’s clinical finishing made the difference.
Maresca spoke about his side’s encouraging start. He noted that they carved out two clear chances in the first 20 minutes without conceding.
However, conceding the opener disrupted their rhythm. Even so, Chelsea responded positively, finding the net and staying competitive until late in the match.
Maresca proud of Chelsea’s fighting spirit
According to the Italian, his side began the second half strongly but were pegged back again when Bayern grabbed their second goal.
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For around ten minutes, Chelsea’s level dipped, yet they managed to regroup and create chances late on. A disallowed goal denied them a lifeline, but Maresca praised their persistence until the final whistle.
“Again, in the first 20 minutes we didn’t concede anything, we created two or three clear chances. Then we conceded a goal and it changed the game,” Maresca said.
“Even with that we were in the game until the end. It’s very difficult to come here and control the game for 95 minutes, that is not realistic. Overall I think we competed very well.”
The 45-year-old tactician stressed that Chelsea showed they belong on the Champions League stage. He acknowledged moments of weakness but expressed satisfaction with the overall fight and determination displayed.
Looking ahead, Maresca believes this performance proves Chelsea are not far off the top teams.
Tags: Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Enzo Maresca, #UCL, #ChampionsLeague, #KTBFFH, #CFC, #COYB, #BAYCHE, Harry Kane, Trevor Chalobah.
