Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca pulled the strings on Saturday and got a statement win from his beleaguered team, a 2-1 win over the champs l at Stamford Bridge.
How did he feel about it? We’ll have to trust his assistant, Willy Caballero, because Maresca picked up a second yellow card when his stoppage-time celebrations joined an earlier caution in the referee’s book.
The Blues went ahead early through Moises Caicedo’s powerful strike from distance, but were level with Cody Gakpo fought his way to a second-half equalizer.
MORE — Chelsea vs Liverpool recap | Player ratings
Chelsea were already without center backs Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Tosin Adarabioyo, then watched as Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile limped off the pitch at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea finished with Marc Cucurella, Reece James, Jorrel Hato, and Gusto along their back line, as Maresca’s men stared down a mighty challenge from the champions. Yet they are the ones who found a winner, as Cucurella cued up Estevao’s back-post finish.
How did Caballero grade the performance? Read on...
Willy Caballero reaction — Chelsea assistant speaks for Enzo Maresca after win vs Liverpool
How’s Enzo feeling after his sending off? “He’s okay. He’s so happy now. He cannot be here but we are so happy that we achieved the three points in the last, last seconds. We are so happy and so proud. It’s a good break for many of us and hopefully we can recover a few more players and start a new cycle of games with energy and atmosphere.”
How big of a win is that? “It is because you win energy, trust, confidence in the process. The atmosphere in the stadium gives you more, the connection between the players and fans. It’s something unforgettable for Estevao and us. It’s a shame we have a break now but this is a really good connection between the fans and players, and for this very young squad to learn.
How much pride in the effort despite reasonable excuses? “We finished well. We finsihed strong. Enzo said it before, we are a good team to play football. We created chances in the first half. They had a few but we deserved the second goal. The way that we fought today with four full backs in the back four is something incredible. All of us are so proud of our players. We didn’t look for excuses. We found solutions.”
How hurt are Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile? “They are okay. They were a little concerned about the situation but we were talking with them and they need this break to recover well and we’ll have them for the next cycle of games.
Anyone upset at Maresca for the sending off? “I believe the last second goal, the emotions, winner at the Bridge in the last second is special for any manager. Unfortunate for him because he was also on a yellow but we all are human beings. The fans will love to see that but for sure we know we can learn from others as well.
Does he owe you a drink? “He’s always buying something for us. He always fights for us.”
