“They have to go” – Four Chelsea players have missed their final opportunity to impress manager Enzo Maresca, who is reportedly running out of patience. After a series of lackluster performances, Maresca appears ready to reassess his lineup, possibly sidelining these individuals to push Chelsea toward more consistent and competitive results.
New Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has experienced a mixed start, with his team recently exiting the League Cup after a loss to Newcastle United on Wednesday night.
New Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has experienced a mixed start, with his team recently exiting the League Cup after a loss to Newcastle United on Wednesday night.
This defeat disappointed Maresca, who likely hoped to continue in the competition to provide his stretched squad with more playing opportunities.
With only the Conference League now available for squad rotation, managing fringe players could become challenging and potentially disrupt dressing room harmony.
However, Maresca, who seems increasingly impatient with four high-profile Chelsea players, appears unfazed by this potential unrest.
New Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has faced a turbulent start, with his team suffering an early League Cup exit to Newcastle United on Wednesday. This outcome was a setback for Maresca, who likely wanted to keep the competition going to give his squad more game time. Now, the Conference League remains his only opportunity to rotate his fringe players, which could lead to some unrest within the squad. Maresca, however, appears unfazed, as his patience seems to be wearing thin with four high-profile players.
**Enzo Fernandez**
Although Maresca entrusted him with the captaincy earlier in the season, Enzo Fernandez has yet to justify that confidence. The midfielder’s performance against Newcastle was subpar, adding to a series of disappointing displays since his £105 million move from Benfica in January 2023. Fernandez showed glimpses of potential at St. James’ Park but ultimately left Maresca unimpressed. In one telling moment, Maresca turned away in frustration when Fernandez lost the ball attempting a risky pass. With Romeo Lavia’s return to the starting lineup, Fernandez will need to put in considerable effort to regain his manager’s trust.
**Axel Disasi**
Axel Disasi had a night to forget in Newcastle. Though Maresca has deployed him out of position at right-back, Disasi struggled with even the basics and worsened his night with an own goal, gifting Newcastle a two-goal lead. The mistake was emblematic of his unsteady play and has likely diminished his standing with Maresca.
**Benoit Badiashile**
Badiashile’s error-ridden performance also contributed to Chelsea’s defensive struggles, as he was at fault for Alexander Isak’s opening goal. His blind pass led to a turnover that Isak capitalized on. This performance won’t help Badiashile earn a place in Chelsea’s Premier League lineup, especially after his single league appearance this season, a short substitute stint against Liverpool.
**Carney Chukwuemeka**
Unlike some of his peers, Chukwuemeka’s inconsistent form can be partly attributed to a long-term injury last season. Nevertheless, Maresca has made it clear he doesn’t see Chukwuemeka in his plans, having suggested during the summer that the player could leave the club. With only two substitute appearances this season, Chukwuemeka may well be the subject of transfer talks in January.