Enzo Maresca says Chelsea could benefit from having experienced players who know how to handle intimidating atmospheres like St James’ Park, but the Blues boss was proud of his young side’s unlikely comeback here.
Newcastle led 2-0 after an abysmal first half from the visitors, but a fantastic free-kick from Reece James and a cool finish from Joao Pedro saw Maresca’s side leave with a draw after they rallied in the second half.
While knowing the club’s strategy is led on youth – with Chelsea having the youngest side in the Premier League – Maresca still feels some seniority could help them cope with contests such as this.
‘Yes, for sure,’ Maresca said when asked if older players would be nice to have.
‘Because probably they know better how to manage this kind of noise or these kinds of situations. The ones we have, they are doing a great job also in this aspect.
‘The way they showed in the second half – character, togetherness – they have to feel proud. Because you know better than me, you are from here, 2-0 down, Newcastle away, in this stadium, this noise, this environment, it is not easy. Not many teams can do that and they have done.’
Enzo Maresca has admitted his Chelsea side could benefit from having experienced players
Joao Pedro’s second half goal ensured Chelsea came back from 2-0 down away to Newcastle
Maresca was cautioned here and Daily Mail Sport have received confirmation from the FA that he will now have to serve a one-match suspension. He will need to sit in the stands for the Premier League visit of Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge this Saturday.
‘My last week has not been complicated,’ Maresca countered. ‘It has been good. We beat Everton, we beat Cardiff, and we drew away at Newcastle.
‘I am happy. Again, there are things that for sure we can do better, but I think we are going in the right direction.’
James put in a captain’s performance as he played in midfield, though the skipper was perhaps fortunate to avoid being dismissed for denying Harvey Barnes a late goalscoring opportunity.
‘I’ve been taking free-kicks all my life and to execute one when we needed to pull something out the bag is a great feeling,’ James said. ‘It’s a difficult place to come.
Reece James was at the heart of midfield for Chelsea and scored a second half free-kick
‘Many teams come here and the atmosphere gets the better of a lot of teams. We couldn’t win but it is important when you don’t win, not to lose.’
On his potential foul on Barnes, James said: ‘It’s way too soft for me.’
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe also complained that they were denied a clear penalty when Trevoh Chalobah riskily crashed into Anthony Gordon.
‘I thought it was stonewall penalty and the defender went into it with too much aggression,’ Howe said. ‘Anywhere else on the pitch, that’s a free kick. So, I’m really disappointed that wasn’t given.’
