I learnt more from Leeds than Arsenal and Barcelona — Chelsea boss Maresca

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat to Leeds United has offered far more valuable lessons than recent results against Arsenal and Barcelona.

The loss ended the club’s long unbeaten away run and exposed areas the Italian believes must be fixed quickly.

Maresca admitted the intensity and atmosphere at Elland Road revealed shortcomings his side must address as they prepare for more challenging away fixtures.

“We need to be aware of where we go, the intensity, the environment, whether it is a small pitch. We need to be ready for all these things,” he said.

He stressed that the match provided deeper insight than their positive results elsewhere, adding: “I learned more from the Leeds game than against Arsenal or Barcelona because we did a few things wrong that we need to avoid in the future. Hopefully, we can start showing that.”

Despite the setback, Chelsea remain fourth in the Premier League, sitting nine points behind leaders Arsenal heading into Gameweek 15.

Maresca believes the lessons from Leeds must translate immediately as the team prepares for Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth.

With a fixture against Everton also looming, the Blues boss knows his team cannot afford to repeat mistakes if they hope to maintain momentum.

The defeat may have halted their away form, but Maresca insists the experience will strengthen his squad’s approach moving forward.