Enzo Maresca has urged his side to remain positive ahead of Chelsea's Champions League clash with Benfica on Tuesday.
Chelsea fell to a 3-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, with the hosts reduced to 10-men after Trevoh Chalobah was dismissed in the 53rd minute, allowing the visitors to profit from the numerical advantage with three late goals.
The Blues are looking to record their first Champions League win of the campaign, having lost 3-1 to Bayern Munich in their opener last time out.
Chelsea have won all four of their competitive meetings with Benfica (9-3 aggregate scoreline), with the most recent of those coming earlier this year at the FIFA Club World Cup (4-1 in a last 16 game).
"We try to prepare every game to win the game. And hopefully we can do that tomorrow," said Maresca during his pre-match press conference.
"We need to maintain our level because the Champions League requires a high level. In this moment we have many players out with injury.
"We need to be positive because first of all it is what the players need. Secondly, because I think there is no reason to be negative."
Chelsea are currently on their longest ever losing streak in the Champions League (three games). However, they have not lost a home game in the group/league phase of the competition since September 2019 (0-1 v Valencia), going unbeaten in each of the last 11 since then (W7 D4).
"I don't think we need to defend ourselves in this moment because the reality is I have a very good feeling with the squad that we have," Maresca said.
"I think compared to last season we all improved. The players because they have played games and have more experience. For me personally as a manager I feel better than last year - that is because I am learning."
Jose Mourinho will also be taking charge of his first European game for the Portuguese giants, making his return to Stamford Bridge, having spent two spells with the London club.
"It's an absolute honour to be facing Jose Mourinho tomorrow. He is not just a legend at this club, he is a legend at a lot of clubs. It will be a privilege to face Jose tomorrow."
Bizwel
0
why?
he's selfish
tizabdruy
0
maressca is killing us with sub
Pori
0
I hate this guy
why?
disamnpsy
2
pls send this dude back to the championship to do his learning. Chelsea is not a learning ground.
Doackty
0
with your bad sub on players
puzaikostu
0
l don't think Chelsea can beat benifica
Bizwel
1
I hate this guy
Rikbcilosu
2
chelsea is a good side we can do it today..
yutacilrst
1
another defeat for Chelsea
Wepdnorty
1
Mourinho and drama. Let's see tomorrow what drama he will come up with...
Akainok
3
The funniest thing I have heard on internet is people saying the reason why chelsea is loosing is because of Colwill. Colwill was there when chelsea only got 1 win from 5 games last season. Stop joking too much. Even this same Colwill was criticized at some point last season and fans were even calling on Maresca to bench him. I put it all to us. Colwill won't be a starter at arsenal. He won't even be a starter for Liverpool and will struggle equally to make the mancity first 11. Chelsea don't have "best defender" he is only appreciated now because he is injured and not playing. If the chelsea hierarchy feels what they have as defenders are enough, it means they are equally telling us to wait for the next 2 years for these players to develop or mature more. Get Maresca 2 solid defenders that can walk into any top team first 11. I want to see a chelsea backline that will have Colwill and Chalobah as our backup not our starter. Do this and see Maresca cook. Note: Maresca equally needs to introduce a better way to defend. Even if it means increasing more tempo and pace from the back.
Nenadiopty
1
try to beat Liverpool at the weekend and you'll be strong again
Bumbdepr
1
wish you all the best