Maresca: We played with a forward-thinking plan, and our loss was deserved
Chelsea's Italian manager, Enzo Maresca, admitted that Friday's 3-1 loss to Brazilian side Flamengo in the Club World Cup was deserved.
Chelsea led 1-0 at halftime, before Flamengo came from behind to score three goals in the second half, taking advantage of the dismissal of the English team's striker, Nicolas Jackson, for roughing up the pitch.
Maresca said in a press conference after the match: "We played differently this match, to prepare for next season. The plan was continuing as usual until we conceded the second goal, and after the dismissal, things changed. Six minutes completely changed the dynamic of the match. I think they deserved to win."
He added: "We expected a difficult match because Flamengo is a very good team, with distinguished players who perform very well. They are at the top of the Brazilian league and have not lost in many matches. So it was not a surprise to us. However, we were trying to experiment with a new technical system for next season to find solutions for the future." Regarding Jackson's expulsion, Maresca said: "Jackson apologized to his teammates in the dressing room, and comparing what happened today to the Newcastle game is completely different. However, the red card has nothing to do with the player's future at Chelsea, even with the arrival of Liam Delap." Asked whether the incident warranted a red card, the coach explained: "I'm not sure if it warranted a red card, but that was the referee's decision in the end." However, Maresca continued: "The referee did not influence the outcome of the match. Perhaps he's from a different place and calls fouls that wouldn't be given in England, but that's part of the tournament, and we have to deal with these facts."