Enzo Maresca expressed pride in his Chelsea side’s performance despite a narrow 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
The Blues enjoyed more possession in a closely contested Premier League clash but were unable to convert their control into points.
Liverpool took the lead with a first-half penalty from Mohamed Salah, but Chelsea equalized shortly after the breakthrough Nicolas Jackson.
However, Curtis Jones secured the win for Liverpool with a goal in the 51st minute.
Enzo Maresca remained upbeat about his team’s display, even as they find themselves seven points adrift of league leaders Liverpool in the early stages of the season.
He refrained from commenting on the officiating of referee John Brooks, focusing instead on the positives from his squad’s performance.
“I think the performance was very good,” said the Chelsea boss.
“We don’t like to drop points but if you have to decide the way to drop points…
“I’ve been here many times and I’ve seen that coming here to play Liverpool is not easy.
“Although we controlled the game for the most part and dominated, we lost.
“We are not happy. We don’t like it.
“But the performance on and off the ball was very good.”
Maresca added: “We conceded two goals.
“The first is a penalty which can happen.
“The second goal in the way we conceded it, we told the boys that by defending like that we have avoided five or six goals doing that already this season but sometimes we will concede like that.
“To come here and not allow Liverpool chances and momentum is almost impossible because of the environment and the team.
“But for the most part we controlled the game very well, we have to be proud of it but a bit upset as we don’t like to lose.”
Referee Brooks made several controversial calls that frustrated supporters from both sides.
He initially awarded Liverpool a penalty but later rescinded the decision.
Earlier in the match, he had also dismissed Chelsea’s claims for a penalty when Trent Alexander-Arnold tangled with Jadon Sancho.
“I’m not happy because we lost, but I’m happy because of the performance of the team,” said Maresca.
“The decisions from the referee were clear for you (the media) and me but the referee is there to take the decision.
“Sometimes they are right and sometimes they are wrong.”
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