Maresca’s Reality Check: Jota’s Ordeal Sparks Liverpool’s Rise, and Estevao’s Path Echoes a Palmer-like Rise

Match Preview and Chelsea’s Challenge

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s head coach, spoke at a pre‑match press conference ahead of the visit of Liverpool on Saturday at Stamford Bridge, as both teams prepare for the seventh round of the Premier League.

Liverpool sit top of the Premier League with 15 points, while Chelsea have eight points in eighth place after six games.

Ma r esca addressed the questions on topics that concern Blues fans, from fluctuating results and injuries to red cards and the assessment of where Chelsea stand against the defending champions.

He began with an assessment of his side’s form: “I think we started well, both in results and in performance. The first four or five games were positive, but we didn’t pick up the points we wanted afterwards.”

“We have analyzed the causes. In most of the matches where points were dropped, the answer was that the games were difficult for us, especially due to the unfortunate red cards, and injuries clearly affected us.”

“Right now we have around eight injuries, so it’s a mix of factors, but there’s no doubt we’ll gradually return to the place where we should be.”

There is also the defensive component, with Maresca stressing faith in young players coming through the academy: “I truly trust in the young players, not only the ones we buy but also the academy products.”

He added: “We’ve given match minutes to Josh Ash… last season while veteran players sat on the bench. This shows the level of trust in youth. The same happened with Tai George.”

“I trust all the players we have. At this moment four or five defenders are unavailable, but we will adapt and find the right solution for tomorrow’s game.”

In a broader sense, Maresca discussed the defensive setback and the plan to rely on young players when necessary, given ongoing injuries and the need for squad resilience.

“I think the job of a coach is to balance form and fitness. We’ve got to be smart with rotations and give minutes to those ready for the step up,” he said.

He also touched on the club’s evolving strategy: “We’ve made good progress in defense last season. If we talk about conceded goals, after Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City, Chelsea were among the best. That’s proof we did something important, but we must keep evolving and adding fresh ideas.”

Ma r esca praised the imminent return of French defender Benoît Badiashile: “Since I joined the club I’ve said Benoît is important. He’s a very good player when fit.” He noted that injuries have kept him sidelined, but his return is welcomed for both squad depth and leadership at the back.

Regarding attacking options, Maresca confirmed he will involve young forward Marc Gio in the near term, even if he has not played much since his loan move, and added that Estevao’s development reminds him a lot of Cole Palmer’s early trajectory, from winger to central contributor.

“Estevao and Marc Gio will get minutes in coming weeks; we’ll manage their exposure across positions to maximize impact,” Maresca explained. He also commented on Estevao’s versatility, comparing his progression to Palmer’s path from youth to the first team at Manchester City.

On the injury list, Maresca reiterated, “Palmer remains out, Chalobah is suspended, and we are dealing with seven or eight injuries. There are no new updates for now, and we’ll review matters after this week’s meeting.”

He concluded with a measured optimism: “Now is a moment to support the players, adapt, and prepare for the next challenge. Liverpool remain a tough test, and a win here would signal Chelsea’s intent for the rest of the season.”

Punchline 1: If patience were a virtue, Chelsea might soon qualify for sainthood—the defensive wall is learning to grow in a garden, not a fortress.

Punchline 2: And if this season keeps going like this, the only thing harder than stopping Liverpool will be counting all the times Chelsea’s bench gets a standing ovation for simply not conceding in the 90th minute.