Enzo Maresca and Cole Palmer optimistic despite the defeat of Bayern -

The boss of Chelsea, Enzo Maresca, and the goalscorer Cole Palmer chose to take the positive points despite a 3-1 defeat against Bayern Munich on the return of the Blues in the Champions League.

The Champions of the Conference League and the Club World Club had played their first match in the Europe Elite Club competition since 2023, but, unlike in 2012, when they raised the trophy, this trip to the Allianz Arena for Chelsea was unhappy.

A goal from Harry Kane and Trevor Chabolah own goal gave victory to the German giants, but Chelsea disturbed his hosts in spells and withdrew one through the sublime of Palmer with the 2-0 score.

And despite the result, Maresca insisted that he was satisfied with the projection of his players.

“Overall, I think the performance was quite good. We started very well during the first 20 minutes, creating two or three clear chances,” the Chelsea boss told TNT Sports.

“Then when we concede, we can avoid this kind of goal. The game changed a little but we were in the match, we score a goal.

“We started the second half of chances creation, then after conceding the third goal, the match changed again.”

When he was asked what finally went wrong for his team in the second half with the scoring at 2-1, Maresca said: “Nothing, we unfortunately conceded another goal, which killed the match a little.

“But even with that, I think we were in the match. We try until the end, we scored another goal which was unfortunately offside.

“I think we can learn a lot about this game. At times, we were not good enough, but we can learn a lot.

“It is a reality because the Champions League is this kind of match, especially against Bayern, it is one of the favorites. But overall, I think we have contributed quite well.”

Meanwhile, Palmer echoes the feelings of his manager and thinks that the team did enough to show that she can compete with renowned clubs at this level.

“It was frustrating. I have the impression that we deserve more,” said Palmer.

“We started well. We had early chances of scoring. But when you make mistakes at the highest level, it is difficult to come back.

“Perhaps a lack of concentration, not to manage the moments. But I think we have shown that we can play against one of the best teams in the competition.

“It’s a good learning curve. Being back in competition is good. We have to start from here.

“We have shown that we can compete.”

Chelsea is the next in action when they go to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Saturday.

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