Chelsea's Turf Moor Triumph: Maresca's Quiet Confidence Shines in a Tough Win

Match context and Chelsea's approach

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca and his players spoke frankly about the challenge and the importance of winning at Turf Moor on Saturday, revealing details about preparation, tactical discipline, funny moments, and hopes ahead of a week that could define their early season.

Hard-earned victory and key performances

Chelsea returned from Turf Moor with a 2-0 victory in the second week of the Premier League, a match that tested them physically and mentally but proved the club's resolve away from home after the international break.

Maresca admitted the win was not easy, insisting it required effort and focus, noting that facing Burnley soon after the international break at a mid-day kickoff made the task even tougher.

After the game Maresca told TNT Sports: 'I do not love this kind of victory, because they are very hard. Playing after the international break at 12:30 at Burnley makes things always complicated. But I am very happy with how we competed.'

He added that keeping a clean sheet at a venue like Turf Moor is not simple: 'Coming here and not conceding is very hard. Of course the opposition will have chances, but they had only one real opportunity all game while we created several.'

Midfielder Andre Santos started and played 90 minutes, with Maresca praising his readiness: 'Players must be ready. Andre Santos is delivering a very good performance today; it is not easy when you don’t play much beforehand.'

Regarding captain Reece James's 45-minute spell at halftime, the coach said it was preplanned to preserve momentum ahead of Tuesday's game against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Portugal winger Pedro Neto emerged as one of the match's stars, scoring with a headed finish and stressing that an away win on a tough ground is never guaranteed. 'It felt like relief. Winning away from home 1-0 here is always difficult. We played with high spirit and kept a clean sheet, so we are very happy.'

Neto revealed a light-hearted moment before the game about his headed goal: 'To be honest, it was funny because in yesterday's training I had a poor header and the teammates teased me. Today I scored with a header from a great cross, and I am happy to help the team.'

He also looked ahead to the schedule ahead: 'This victory is very important ahead of a tough week: Barcelona and then Arsenal. It's good to be back from the international break with a united squad. We are very excited for the next matches, the kind of games we love to play.'

Asked about the Burnley clash: 'This match was different, full of physical duels and contact. It is never easy here, but we now look forward to the next challenge.'

Younger Brazilian Andre Santos spoke about his 90-minute outing, saying the main focus was to help the team collect points: 'I am very happy to have played 90 minutes and to help my teammates. But the most important thing is the win, and to take the three points.'

He praised the supportive teammates: 'My teammates made it easy for me; it is a pleasure playing with them. I feel very happy after this victory.'

Santos echoed the sentiment on the win's significance: 'I am very happy to have played 90 minutes and helped the team, but the key is the victory. My teammates made things easy for me, and that makes me very happy.'

Burnley's defeat underscores a slide at Turf Moor, where they have lost 3 of the last 5 league games at home, with just one win and one draw. The slide contrasts with a long home unbeaten run previously. This marks a clear downturn for the Clarets.

Burnley boss Scott Parker faced a harsh stat line: across his spells at previous clubs, he had not turned around a deficit in the Premier League. In 42 trailing matches he recorded zero wins (4 draws, 38 losses), a record that will weigh on his credentials in the league's tough era.

PUNCHLINE 1: If Chelsea's defense were a sniper, their target would be keeping a clean sheet—the shot is precise and the result inevitable.

PUNCHLINE 2: Burnley might need more than grit; perhaps a GPS for ball location at Turf Moor, because finding the ball here is like a scavenger hunt.