Chelsea Coach: 'Don't expect me to trade Caicedo for anyone'

After Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Tottenham in the London derby, coach Enzo Maresca gave special recognition to Moises Caicedo and emphasized the team’s strong performance in reclaiming a top 4 spot in the Premier League.

Tonight's win helped Chelsea surpass Tottenham, reclaiming fourth place on the table with 17 points. Joao Pedro’s only goal in the 34th minute, assisted by Moises Caicedo, decided the outcome of the match.

In the post-match press conference, Maresca expressed great satisfaction with his players’ performance: “I’m pleased with the 1-0 result and the full three points, especially since we kept a clean sheet. That’s what Chelsea needs if we want to go further.”

The victory over Tottenham marked a strong comeback for The Blues after their previous loss to Sunderland. Maresca stressed that the team is clearly improving in both attack and defense: “We know we can always score, but it’s crucial to be more solid defensively. Tottenham ended the game with just 0.05 xG, which says it all.”

The spotlight of the press conference was on Moises Caicedo. When asked if he would trade Caicedo for any other midfielder in Europe, Maresca answered firmly: “I wouldn’t swap Caicedo for anyone. He’s a top player, very humble, and always ready to support his teammates. Right now, I believe he and Rodri are the best defensive midfielders in the world.”

Not only the coach, but Caicedo himself showed pride after the match: “We needed this win, and the whole team responded brilliantly. I’m happy with how we fought.” He was the one who assisted Joao Pedro’s goal, and the Brazilian player didn’t forget to thank his teammate: “Moises is incredible. When he passed me the ball, I told him I owe him a dinner.”

Additionally, Maresca praised Reece James for being positioned in midfield to boost the team’s stamina. He said: “Rhys can perform well in multiple roles, both defender and midfielder. More importantly, he is a leader in the locker room.”

The Italian coach emphasized that Chelsea must maintain balance: “We moved from 11th to 4th, but the most important thing is to keep consistent form. In the last 7 games, we won 6 and lost only 1. People can say a lot, but the team is heading in the right direction.”

With this victory, Chelsea not only solidified their position among the league leaders but also showed a strong presence at both ends of the pitch. With Caicedo’s form, Joao Pedro’s return, and a tight defense, Maresca’s team is gradually finding a sustainable winning formula in the Premier League.

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