The Albany Gazette - Chelsea can be flexible, says Maresca

Maresca's side were jeered by frustrated fans as they laboured to a drab 1-0 win against Premier League strugglers Leicester at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

There was more audible frustration from supporters during the 1-0 home victory against Copenhagen in the UEFA Conference League last 16 second leg on Thursday.

The Blues' method of keeping the ball and slowing down the play, even when chances arose to attack a leaky Leicester defence, sparked criticism of Maresca's game-plan.

Maresca has repeatedly said he will substitute players who do not adhere to his style.

But ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea's trip to second-placed Arsenal, the Italian admitted his side could be forced to be flexible.

"The intention will be that (to control the ball). And if we are able or not depends a lot on the opponent," he said.

"They just told me that Pedro Neto against Copenhagen did a sprint on 90 minutes. The reason why is that we were sitting back at the edge of our box.

"So if we plan the game against Arsenal sitting back and wait, sure our strikers and wingers are going to do 20 sprints for 60, 70 minutes.

"When you play most of your game in the opposite side, there is not space to do that kind of sprint.

"Our plan is to control the game but it's a team that is going to press high and try to be aggressive, and probably we will have more space to attack in behind."

Maresca revealed error-prone keeper Robert Sanchez is set to start against Arsenal after winning his place back for the win over Leicester.

He had previously missed four successive league games following a series of costly blunders.

But, after understudy Filip Jorgensen played against Copenhagen, Maresca said Sanchez is his pick for the Emirates Stadium clash.

"I think Robert needed some days off or at least rest mentally," said Maresca. "He's back and hopefully we are not going to change until the end (of the season)."

(W.Walker--TAG)