Enzo Maresca expressed confidence in summer recruits Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, emphasising their importance for Chelsea’s upcoming season.
Following a 4-1 victory over AC Milan in a pre-season match, where both players scored, Maresca highlighted their potential impact. The game saw an early own-goal by Andrei Coubis, followed by Joao Pedro’s header and Delap’s two goals after Milan was reduced to ten men.
Chelsea dominated the match with an expected goals (xG) total of 2.66 from 19 attempts, compared to AC Milan’s 0.92 from 11 attempts at Robert Sanchez’s goal. Maresca praised the new strikers, who joined for a combined fee of around £90 million from Brighton and Ipswich Town. He is optimistic about their continued success as they prepare for the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.
Maresca stated, “They are both our strikers, we need them scoring goals during the season, and we are very happy with both of them.” He stressed the importance of maintaining composure under pressure, ensuring they contribute significantly throughout the season. The manager believes that despite inevitable missed opportunities, Delap and Pedro will be crucial in achieving team goals.
Liam Delap has had a rapid start at Chelsea since joining before their successful Club World Cup campaign in the USA. The 22-year-old scored his first goal for Chelsea in a 3-0 win over ES Tunis during the tournament’s group stage and played in the final against Paris Saint-Germain. His performance against Milan marked his first goals at Stamford Bridge.
Delap shared his excitement about scoring at Stamford Bridge: “It was really good to score my first few goals at Stamford Bridge.” He acknowledged the fast-paced nature of his initial months with Chelsea but expressed readiness to continue this form into the new season. Scoring remains his primary focus on the pitch.
Reflecting on his experience so far, Delap said: “I’ve been thrown straight into it, it’s been fast, but it’s been an incredible two months.” He is eager to face Crystal Palace next and believes Chelsea is well-prepared for the challenge. His determination to score consistently highlights his commitment to contributing positively to the team’s success.
The anticipation builds as Chelsea approaches their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace. With Maresca’s faith in Delap and Pedro’s abilities, fans eagerly await their performance on this significant stage. Their pre-season achievements set high expectations for what lies ahead in this competitive campaign.