Q&A: What is Maresca trying to achieve with his tactics and mentality?

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In part two of our special Q&A with BBC Sport football news reporter Nizaar Kinsella, he looks at the job Enzo Maresca is doing, potential stadium redevelopment and possible transfers at both ends of the pitch.

Daniel asked: Chelsea's form earlier this season was good, but everything at the moment seems very risk averse, with low xG. I know Enzo Maresca relies heavily on getting his wingers in one-v-one situations, but do you know what he is actually trying to achieve, in an attacking sense?

Nizaar: Great question. The point about wingers is interesting because I don't think Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto or Christopher Nkunku are doing what Maresca's wingers did at Leicester City. Noni Madueke is looking a more important player than ever and there has been a lack of movement in behind since he and Nicolas Jackson got injured.

So I think he is having to reinvent his attacking system - and it has not worked while Madueke and Jackson have been injured. He can revert to his old way of attacking after the international break, but you have to question whether he can adapt to problems amid this bad run - especially when injuries have taken hold.

Of course, the display at Arsenal saw Chelsea register their worst expected goals under Maresca's tenure, but I expect an improvement as injured players return.

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Anthony asked: Did Maresca saying Chelsea are not in the title race affect the mentality of the players, in the sense that they lost the hunger to perform?

Nizaar: Maresca is nothing if not consistent in his news conference messaging. I must admit, I thought Chelsea were in the title race then.

At the time, the messaging from the players was similar, plus the ownership's aim has been qualifying for the Champions League rather than challenging for the Premier League title in the Italian's first season.

It may all be 'not very Chelsea', but I actually thought it was a strategy to take the pressure off a young group of players. I don't think those comments were a misstep, but that is not to say there is not work to do on building a winning mentality, which will have to be a whole club effort.

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