'That's PlayStation': Enzo Maresca responds to Chelsea criticism after disappointing end to pre-season tour
Enzo Maresca has asked Chelsea fans to be patient after their pre-season tour of the United States ended in yet another defeat.
The Blues Champions League winners Real Madrid lost their last game across the pond 2-1 on Tuesday night.
It was seen Maresca reunites with his former Juventus coach Carlo Ancelottiwho also enjoyed Premier League and FA Cup success with Chelsea.
Ancelotti praised his Italian compatriot when speaking about Podcast by John Obi Mikelwhich was released before the friendly match.
Asked if Chelsea took a chance on Maresca after just one year at Leicester, he said: “When I started this job, I had no experience.
“Experience is something that cannot be bought in a supermarket, you have to be patient to acquire it. That's why experience is not the most important part of our job, it is part of our job, of course.
“The most important thing is knowledge, and because of his experience with (Pep) Guardiola, with Leicester, I think he has the knowledge to manage and do well at Chelsea.”
Maresca responded to Ancelotti's kind words ahead of the defeat to Madrid with a message for Chelsea's critics.
“This is a process,” he said via Chelsea website“You can't think that after a month everything will work properly.
“I really appreciate Carlo's words. I've worked with him and his career is something incredible. He knows better than I do and better than many, many people in this business, the path to achieve something important.
“I worked with Carlo when he was almost my age at the time and he was fired by Juventus, but in the end, it's not something magical that can be achieved in two days. That's something different. That's PlayStation, not football.
“Day by day, you need to work and you need time and I know most head coaches ask for time and it sounds like an excuse, but it's not an excuse, it's reality.”
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Chelsea's pre-season started with a 2-2 draw against Wrexham before being thrashed 4-1 by Celtic.
The Blues showed more promise in their 3-0 win over Club América, but were then beaten 4-2 by Manchester City.
Although their form has fluctuated and they have only won once this summer, Maresca still believes his team is improving.
“There are always good things and bad things. There have been more good things than bad things right now.
“Of course we don't like losing games, especially as we lost the last one, but in terms of progressing and improving, the team is getting better and I'm very happy about that.”
Chelsea's final pre-season test comes at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, when they host Italian giants Inter Milan.
They will return to their iconic stadium a week later for their first game of the new Premier League campaign against champions City.
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Maresca's side will then make their Europa Conference League debut when they face the loser of the Europa League third qualifying round tie. Between Braga and Servette.
The competition presents Chelsea with another chance at silverware this season, with fans still hoping for their first trophy since the Club World Cup in early 2022.
