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What Enzo Maresca said to Chelsea players in meetings before taking on Liverpool

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Chelsea fell to just their second defeat of the Premier League season at the weekend when they were beaten 2-1 by Liverpool.

Despite some positive spells of possession and a Nicolas Jackson goal and strong performance, the Blues fell victim of some moments where they looked out of their depth.

It is perhaps expected of Enzo Maresca’s young side that they would still struggle in some of the fiercer atmosphere’s the Premier League has to offer, and Anfield certainly provides that.

Liverpool FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

The Blues are hoping Levi Colwill becomes a real leader at the back, but he in particular had some very tough moments up against the likes of Mohamed Salah.

Enzo Maresca warned Chelsea players about Liverpool atmosphere

It has been reported that Maresca had made a conscious effort to prepare his players for the circumstances they were walking into.

According to the Mail Online, the Italian spent part of his pre-match meetings with the squad stressing how they could deal with the atmosphere created by supporters of the league leaders.

Maresca had been forced to make a number of changes to his defence for the trip to Liverpool. Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella missed the game through suspension.

The defeat sees the Blues drop out of the top four, with big games against Newcastle United and Arsenal in their next two.

Position Team Played MP Won W Drawn D Lost L For GF Against GA Diff GD Points Pts
1 LiverpoolLiverpool8 7 0 1 15 3 12 21
2 Man CityManchester City8 6 2 0 19 9 10 20
3 ArsenalArsenal8 5 2 1 15 8 7 17
4 Aston VillaAston Villa8 5 2 1 15 10 5 17
5 BrightonBrighton8 4 3 1 14 10 4 15
6 ChelseaChelsea8 4 2 2 17 10 7 14
7 TottenhamTottenham8 4 1 3 18 9 9 13
8 Nottm ForestNottingham Forest8 3 4 1 8 6 2 13
9 NewcastleNewcastle8 3 3 2 8 8 0 12
10 FulhamFulham8 3 2 3 11 11 0 11

Enzo Maresca not happy with referees in Liverpool vs Chelsea

Chelsea were no doubt aggrieved at some of the decisions made by officials during their defeat, with some potentially having a big impact on the end result.

Maresca was visibly angry that a penalty wasn’t awarded after Jadon Sancho was challenged in the first half by Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has insisted the right call was made on the field, however the unhappiness is still there amongst Chelsea supporters.

Robert Sanchez’s underwhelming performance was almost added to by a penalty decision going against him, although that was correctly overturned by VAR after it became clear he had got to the ball first.

Despite his shakiness between the sticks, Maresca has claimed that he is still happy with what he has seen from Sanchez so far this season.