Malo Gusto has admitted that Enzo Maresca was justified in delivering a blistering half-time rant at his Chelsea squad during their Carabao Cup third round triumph over Lincoln City on Tuesday evening. The Blues found themselves trailing 1-0 at the interval, with the League One outfit arguably unlucky not to have established a more commanding advantage.
The Imps were peppering Chelsea‘s penalty area with deliveries, dead-ball situations and lengthy throw-ins, whilst the Blues failed to register a single effort on goal during the opening 45 minutes at the LNER Stadium. Swift strikes from Tyrique George and Facundo Buonanotte shortly after the interval ultimately proved decisive against the spirited Lincoln outfit.
Maresca revealed to the media after the match that he was incensed with his squad at the break, and Gusto acknowledged the Chelsea boss was entirely justified in his anger.
“Of course, in the first half we played like kids,” declared Gusto, when questioned about Maresca’s half-time fury. “They bullied us in every part of the pitch. It was really bad for us.
“The second half was important to come back with more desire, more confidence. It is important for the team to keep building these kinds of things to become better.”
The Blues defender continued: “We knew they were going to play like this. It was their qualities, so they played with that.
For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.
“We were aware before of that. It was the game. The game was about duels, fighting. That is why we tried to do more in the second-half to show our desire to win, and that is what we did.”
Chelsea‘s win halted a three-match streak without victory, and they will be looking to gather momentum ahead of their Premier League encounter with Brighton at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
Gusto is optimistic that the comeback against Lincoln will instil some confidence, but recognises the challenge posed by the Seagulls.
“That [building momentum] is our objective,” the Frenchman stated. “They [Brighton] are a good team too, but we know that we can compete and we can beat everyone – and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk