EPL: Maresca blames Pochettino for one ‘habit’ among Chelsea players

Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, has said he is trying to get out a “habit” the players picked up under Mauricio Pochettino last year.

The Blues have conceded 12 goals in five pre-season fixtures ahead of the 2024/2025 season.

Maresca, speaking after the 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday night, revealed they were working on defensive lines.

He said: “It’s a habit. We are not working on defensive lines so high. It’s a habit from last year, or years ago; I don’t know.

“We are trying to drop the defensive line a little bit, usually about four or five metres, just to have some advantage.

“Last year, we already conceded many goals with this problem. Hopefully we can solve it very soon.”

Under Pochettino last season, Chelsea scored 77 goals and conceded 63 to finish in sixth place.

However, they were pipped to the last Europa League spot by Manchester United and will not play in the UEFA Conference League.