Enzo Maresca offered some insightful tactical reflections following his team’s home defeat to Fulham. When asked what his side could have done better, he emphasized the importance of controlling the game more effectively.
He acknowledged that Fulham’s strength lies in their ability to transition quickly, a challenge that was particularly evident in the second half.
Maresca noted that while his team managed Fulham’s counter-attacks well in the first half, they struggled in the opening 15 to 20 minutes after the break, where they failed to maintain control and allowed Fulham to exploit the space.
Maresca also expressed his desire for his team to adopt a more Guardiola-like approach, drawing on his experience as an assistant under Pep Guardiola. He explained that he prefers a style of play based on short, controlled passes that help the team remain compact and coordinated.
This approach, he argued, would make it easier for his players to transition from defense to attack and to recover quickly if possession is lost. In contrast, he criticized attacking with just one or two passes, as it causes the team to stretch and leave themselves vulnerable to counter-attacks.
Maresca stressed that this was a valuable lesson for his team to learn, particularly when facing a side like Fulham, who can quickly counter-attack if given the space.
Maresca went on to describe the match as one where controlling the tempo was vital. He acknowledged that when the game opened up, it became chaotic, resembling a “basketball game” where the focus was more on end-to-end action.
This, he said, plays into Fulham’s strengths, and it’s a style that his team cannot afford to indulge in. For Maresca, controlling the game and staying compact would have been a more effective strategy.
Reflecting on the defeat, Maresca admitted that the result was disappointing, but he pointed out areas where his team performed well.
Despite the loss, he felt that there were many positive aspects to take away from the game, particularly in terms of how his team was able to handle Fulham’s transition play in the first half.
Ultimately, Maresca’s comments highlighted the need for improved game management, particularly in the second half, and a shift toward a more controlled, methodical approach to attacking and defending.
