Maresca: Lavia has a serious muscle injury; the intention of the rotation is good, but the execution is problematic

Hupu News on November 06: Chelsea head coach Maresca attended the post-match press conference of the 2-2 draw with Qarabach.

(It is already midnight local time)

In hindsight, are you satisfied with the seven personnel adjustments made to the starting lineup?

You know, the original intention of us making adjustments is always because we think the starting lineup we put in to play against our opponents is the right one. I think today it was different because we started well and scored, but then we conceded two more goals, especially when we conceded the first goal with only 10 players on the pitch.

So, for me, the biggest difference today is that, especially in our penalty area, we conceded two goals that could have been avoided, and in the opponent's penalty area, considering the number of times we entered the opponent's penalty area, we could have taken our chances more efficiently.

Why are seven personnel adjustments made? Is it because of the aftermath of the Club World Cup?

Yeah, I think I've explained it many times. We have players in the team and the plan tonight is to rest Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Marlo Gusteau and some other players because they cannot play every three days.

As you said, they need to recover from last season's competition, and the Club World Cup has a great impact on them.

We try to rotate when we win, which no one has mentioned before. I know that when we lose, everyone will focus on the loss. Now I think the important thing is to regain strength, be ready for Saturday's game, and start again.

How is Romeo Lavia?

Yes, we feel very sorry, especially for him because he will probably be out for a long time. It's too early to tell the extent of the injury, and I hope it's not serious.

Is it the hamstring again?

No, I think it’s a quadriceps strain.

As you said, there are many injuries in your team. Do you hope that the players on the rotation can perform better?

I think it's not just about one person, it's about all of them. Again, I thought we started well, took control of the game, we scored the first goal, but after conceding the first goal, about four or five minutes later (I can’t remember exactly), we conceded the second one.

So the game becomes increasingly difficult. In the second half, I thought we were much better than we were in the first half. But having said that, I think every game is an opportunity for each of them to prove their quality.

What do you think of Karabakh’s performance?

They are a good team. I said a few days ago that they are really strong and in good shape. Especially at home, it’s going to be tough.

Is conceding so many goals due to personal mistakes (by players)? Is it because the team is too young?

No, I think I said it before, the biggest difference today was in the penalty area. Those goals we conceded were stupid in my opinion. We entered the opponent's penalty area many times, but our ability to seize opportunities was not strong enough. So that's the biggest difference for me.

Why did Ganaccio, Enzo, and Delap sit on the bench?

Again, when a game begins, our intention is always to believe that the starting players are up to the task of the game.

Of course, if we lose, I can understand why you would ask such a question, but I thought Ganaccio performed well in the second half. We gave him a chance. He is slowly improving.

Why did you play Jorel Hutto at centre-back?

I think Jorel, like the team, started well. We were ahead and in control of the game. But then we started making some mistakes that we needed to improve on and that we needed to avoid and will certainly avoid in the future.

Why do Chelsea waste opportunities in possession of the ball?

I think Karabakh pressed very well, but we also created many opportunities in the process of organizing the offense. I think we still have some areas where we can improve, but overall we did a good job.