Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has highlighted the necessity of making defensive adjustments to eliminate some persistent issues. The Blues conceded 63 goals last season, more than any other team in the top six. They have also allowed goals during this pre-season, with four conceded in losses to both Celtic and Manchester City, before a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in their final friendly of their U.S. tour on Tuesday.Maresca is aware of the changes needed to address the problem, particularly concerning the defensive line. He stated, "One of my first meetings with the squad was about the amount of goals we conceded last year with the defensive line very high. We are not working on defensive lines so high. It's a habit last year, or years ago, I don't know. We are trying to drop the defensive line a little bit, usually about four or five metres, just to have some advantage. Last year we conceded many goals with this problem. Hopefully, we can solve it soon."Chelsea appeared more defensively solid against Madrid, limiting the Spanish giants to only three shots on target and an expected goals (xG) of just 1.10. This improvement is a positive sign as they approach their final pre-season friendly against Inter on Sunday.The Blues will open their Premier League campaign against champions Manchester City a week later. The focus remains on tightening their defence to avoid repeating last season's mistakes.Enzo Maresca's efforts to drop the defensive line by four or five metres aim to provide an advantage and reduce goal concessions. This strategy could be crucial for Chelsea as they prepare for competitive matches ahead.

Enzo reacts to our final game of US Tour.

#BluesInTheUSA pic.twitter.com/bezLVagEd7

Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 7, 2024

Maresca's emphasis on adjusting defensive habits reflects his commitment to improving Chelsea's overall performance. By addressing these issues early in the pre-season, he aims to build a more resilient team capable of competing at the highest level.The team's ability to restrict Real Madrid's scoring opportunities indicates progress in implementing these changes. As they continue their preparations, maintaining this defensive solidity will be key to their success in the upcoming season.Chelsea's focus on defence is not just about reducing goals conceded but also about building confidence within the squad. A strong defence can provide a foundation for attacking play and overall team stability.By making these adjustments now, Maresca hopes to set a new standard for Chelsea's defensive performance. The upcoming matches will be crucial tests for these changes and their effectiveness in real-game scenarios.The improvements seen against Real Madrid offer hope that Chelsea can address their defensive vulnerabilities effectively. As they move forward, maintaining this momentum will be essential for achieving their goals this season.Ensuring that these adjustments become ingrained habits will be vital for long-term success. Maresca's proactive approach demonstrates his dedication to refining Chelsea's tactics and enhancing their competitiveness.As Chelsea prepares for their Premier League opener against Manchester City, all eyes will be on how well these defensive changes hold up under pressure. The team's ability to adapt and implement these strategies will be critical in determining their success this season.The final pre-season friendly against Inter provides another opportunity for Chelsea to fine-tune their defence before facing tougher challenges ahead. Maintaining focus and discipline will be key as they transition into competitive matches.Chelsea's journey towards improving their defence is ongoing, with each match serving as a learning experience. The lessons learned from pre-season games will help shape their approach and readiness for the Premier League campaign.Maresca's leadership and tactical adjustments aim to create a more balanced and effective team. By addressing weaknesses early on, he sets Chelsea up for a stronger start to the season and beyond.The commitment to refining defensive strategies highlights Chelsea's determination to compete at the highest level consistently. With continued effort and focus, they aim to achieve better results and greater success in the upcoming season.