Maresca calls for positivity ahead of Champions League meeting with Benfica

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).

Turning our attention back to the #UCL. pic.twitter.com/xonmRrVEOh

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“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.”