Enzo Maresca watches on during Manchester United vs Chelsea(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

Every word Enzo Maresca said on Chelsea draw with Man Utd, Martinez tackle, Caicedo performance

03 Nov 2024, 19:35 by Bobby Vincent · football.london

Enzo Maresca has just faced the media in his post-match press conference after Chelsea drew away at Manchester United.

The Blues' more-than-a-decade-long wait for a win at Old Trafford goes on after Moises Caicedo scored with a wonderful volley to earn the visitors a point. Bruno Fernandes had given Man Utd the lead moments before as he converted a penalty following a Robert Sanchez foul on Rasmus Hojlund.

Maresca, despite some fans being frustrated that Chelsea could not beat United yet again, was happy with the way his team performed in Manchester. You can read every word the head coach had to say in our full transcript below...

Was that a fair result?

"I think we controlled the game quite well. We knew against them, we will concede some chances, especially on the counter-attack. We knew that.

"We did the most difficult thing in this stadium against this team which is come back when they score. Probably after the 1-1, because we tried to win it, we exposed ourselves and that is why in the last five or 10 minutes, we conceded a bit more."

How good was Moises Caicedo?

"Since we arrived, Moi is doing fantastic. I said during the week, the problem with Moi and Enzo [Fernandez] - these kind of players - is probably the big money the club paid. Everyone expects them to be the best but they are human and it is normal.

"Moi is improving a lot. We are spending time with him and the rest to improve them."

Is it different playing really well for Brighton and then trying to hit the same standards at Chelsea?

"First of all, most of the time in football, one plus one is not always two. Because he was so good at Brighton, it does not mean he is going to be as good at Chelsea. He needs more time; he needs to adapt.

"Chelsea is a big club, one of the best clubs in the world, so the impact is not easy. When they join Chelsea for a lot of money, people think they will arrive here and be the best but that's why I said one plus one is not two."

Is Cole Palmer okay after the Lisandro Martinez tackle?

"He was there in the changing room with ice. We are waiting now. Hopefully it is nothing important and then I know you are going to ask me about the referee's decision. They showed me before the press conference, I think it is quite clear almost for all of us but the referees there did not take the decision and they made a different decision."

Is that what you were talking about at the end when you went onto the pitch?

"Yes. I just said, for me, when there is no intention to go for the ball and he goes for the player. It's a red."

Do you think you have one of the best midfielders in the league in Caicedo?

"I think I have one of the best squads in the Premier League, I have no doubt about this. Moi belongs to the squad. Since I arrived, the first thing I said to the club is that I was in love with the squad and this squad is very good.

"We have one of the best squads in the Premier League. Talent is not enough. We need to be more things but we are in the right direction."

Did the referee give you any reason why Martinez was not send off?

"No. He didn't say nothing. I just said to him when there is no intention to go for the ball and to go for the player, the legs, there is no doubt about the decision."

In your point of view, a red card then?

"I think it is quite clear it is a red, yes."

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