Enzo Maresca reveals why Chelsea 'struggle' despite 4-1 win over Panathinaikos.

Enzo Maresca has admitted his Chelsea side struggled despite their 4-1 win over Panathinaikos.

The Blues took a first-half lead through Joao Felix before Mykhailo Mudryk doubled their advantage in the second half.

Felix later scored a brace before Christopher Nkunku scored a penalty to make it 4-0. Facundo Pellistri scored the late consolation goal for the hosts.

Despite the dominant result, Chelsea struggled to control the ball in the first half and Maresca admitted his side could have done better before describing the performance as “very good”.

Speaking to the press after the game, Maresca said: “It was a very good performance,” according to football.london.

“At the beginning of the game we had problems and then we adjusted, we couldn't defend the ball.”

However, the Italian was happy with his team's response as he made tactical changes to their system, which saw them dominate for the rest of the game.

“We made some adjustments and it was much, much better,” he continued.

“The most important thing is that you can recognize the identity, no matter how many changes there are. It’s very clear.”

The win means Chelsea are top of the Conference League after matchday two and Maresca's side remain favorites to win the competition.

With 11 changes made, Maresca has a unique opportunity to give many players in his squad a break while keeping the quality and intensity at a high level.

Chelsea fans were impressed by the performance of Mykhailo Mudryk, who scored a goal and provided two assists just days after being left out of the squad for the game against Liverpool in the Premier League.

Maresca himself admitted that Mudryk's development was slow compared to his teammates, but was proud of his winger's performance.

The Blues will be hoping to build momentum in back-to-back games against Newcastle, with the first game coming at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday.

Maresca's side then travel north to face the Magpies again, this time in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, where they will look to bounce back into form after last weekend's defeat to Liverpool.