Chelsea will have space against Arsenal, says Maresca

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says his side will be able to play differently and hit Arsenal on the break on Sunday.

Maresca’s side were jeered off at half-time of their Conference League win over Copenhagen on Thursday nightas they failed to have a single effort on goal despite dominating the ball.

Some supporters were also frustrated by the side’s approach in the Premier League against Leicester recently but Maresca thinks they will be able to be more dynamic against second-placed Arsenal.

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

“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 Arsenal is 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 has confirmed that Robert Sanchez is set to start in goal for the rest of the Premier League season, despite Filip Jorgensen playing against Copenhagen.

“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).”