Chelsea are preparing for a pivotal showdown against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night (October 4, 2025, local time). Although the visitors arrive on the back of a disappointing run of results, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca has urged his players to remain fully focused and not be deceived by Liverpool’s recent struggles.
Liverpool’s Recent Setbacks
Arne Slot’s Liverpool side head into the clash after suffering two consecutive defeats. First, they were beaten 1-2 by Crystal Palace in the Premier League, followed by a narrow 0-1 loss to Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League.
Those back-to-back defeats have fueled speculation that Chelsea could have the upper hand this weekend. However, Maresca was quick to dismiss the notion that facing Liverpool is ever an “easy” task.
Maresca’s Warning: Every Team Has Weaknesses
Speaking ahead of the match, the Italian manager reminded the media that every team in football—no matter how strong—has its vulnerabilities. For that reason, he insists Chelsea must come well-prepared both mentally and tactically if they want to take three points against the Reds.
“In football, every single team has weaknesses—it’s not just Liverpool. If there was a team that won every single match, then no one would ever be able to compete with them,” Maresca explained.
The Threat from Liverpool’s Attack
Despite their recent setbacks, Maresca acknowledged the immense attacking power Liverpool still possess. From Darwin Núñez’s physical presence to Mohamed Salah’s lethal finishing and creative playmakers in midfield, the Reds remain a constant threat in the final third.
“Right now, they’ve lost one or two games, which shows their vulnerability. But this is something that can happen to any team in the world. In the Premier League, you can drop points against anyone,” Maresca said.
He further emphasized that past results mean very little in a league as competitive as England’s top flight. “We’ve played them twice already. We lost at Anfield and won at Stamford Bridge. Every game is different. We’ll try to prepare in the best way possible. Even when they’ve dropped points, Liverpool have consistently shown why they are contenders for the Premier League title.”
No “Perfect Time” to Face Liverpool
When asked whether this might be the ideal moment to face Liverpool, given their dip in form, Maresca responded cautiously. According to him, there is never an easy fixture when it comes to facing a club of Liverpool’s stature.
“I don’t believe there’s ever a perfect time to play Liverpool. It’s always a difficult match because they are always a big, top-level team,” he said.
Maresca also highlighted Liverpool’s resilience this season, noting how they have shown character in the face of adversity. He made reference to the squad’s strength in handling emotional setbacks, including the difficult period following Diogo Jota’s personal tragedy.
“The way they’ve played this season has been fantastic, even after Jota’s situation. I went through something similar as a player 20 years ago, and I know it’s not easy for either the players or the coach. It shows the kind of mentality they have,” Maresca added.
A True Test for Chelsea
As the Blues gear up for one of their toughest fixtures of the season, Maresca’s words underline the importance of discipline, tactical awareness, and mental strength. For Chelsea, a victory at Stamford Bridge could send a powerful message about their ambitions under Maresca’s leadership. But against a wounded Liverpool side desperate to bounce back, nothing will come easy.
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