Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has publicly addressed the club’s concerning defensive record from set-pieces ahead of the London derby against dead-ball specialists, Tottenham Hotspur.
According to Goal reporting, Maresca faced questions regarding the tactical headache posed by Chelsea’s alarming statistics in this area.
The Blues have reportedly conceded an expected goals (xG) value of 6.10 from set-pieces this season, the highest figure in the Premier League.
Furthermore, set-piece scenarios account for nearly 45% of Chelsea’s total expected goals against, highlighting a significant fragility that opponents are keen to exploit.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Maresca was resolute but calm about the situation, noting the unpredictable nature of dead-ball scenarios. He admitted the team must improve but suggested conceding goals from set plays is an inevitable part of the modern game, regardless of efforts.
The Italian coach left his assessment intact, stating: “I think that set-pieces you are going to score goals and you are going to concede goals.
The reason why is because if we say that when we concede, we are not strong enough.” He continued: “I think that with set-pieces, there are teams that they score more goals, less goals, but at the end, set-pieces you are going to score and concede goals because there are actions that are so difficult to defend.
We are working on [defending set-pieces]. For sure, we are working. For sure.”On a positive note, the Chelsea manager also highlighted the team’s attacking proficiency from dead-balls, revealing they have scored nine set-piece goals this term, placing them second only to Arsenal across the division.
Despite the defensive issue, Maresca’s focus remains on continuous improvement across all phases of play as they prepare for the vital London showdown.