It is not easy — Chelsea boss Maresca offers explanation after Blues fail to defeat League One team

Chelsea stumbled to a 2-2 draw against Wrexham in their first pre-season friendly under new boss Enzo Maresca.

There was excitement and anticipation as fans were eager to see how the team would set up under new management.

Maresca may not have anticipated such a fast-paced start for the first of six preseason friendlies, five of which will be played in the USA, but it only took two minutes for Levi Colwill to get angry at James McClean for a late challenge, sparking an unfriendly pile-on between the two teams.

The Blues needed a late equaliser from Lesley Ugochukwu to avoid defeat and Maresca offered an insight into the performance after the game.

“In this moment we try to build up with three and two, it doesn’t matter the level of opponent, when they sit back with 11 behind the ball it isn’t easy.

“I’m very happy about the performance in general, we started two weeks ago, and it’s important people see the identity of the team, tonight was quite clear.

"The performance I’m happy with in general, we started two weeks ago, it’s important the people see the identity of the team, tonight it was quite clear."

Chelsea will continue their pre-season preparations against Celtic on the 27th of July at the Notre Dame Stadium in Indiana.