Former Chelsea Manager and Player Frank Lampard names ONE player who doesn’t deserve to start for Chelsea, warned Enzo Maresca about the unforgivable mistake
The mood around Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has undergone a discernible shift following his team’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton, which was precipitated by a red card in a successive match. The Italian coach’s team departed the field to a chorus of boos from the Stamford Bridge crowd, and Maresca’s post-match comments have raised eyebrows among Chelsea’s hierarchy.
A Change in Tone
Maresca’s demeanor has altered significantly since Chelsea’s triumphant Club World Cup campaign and Champions League qualification. Cracks have begun to appear, and his recent comments have not been well-received by the club’s owners. Maresca has publicly expressed his concerns about the team’s defensive options, stating that the club is aware of his thoughts on the matter. He also seemed frustrated with the decision to recall Axel Disasi from the first team, claiming that the club didn’t provide any insight into the reasoning behind this move.
Pressure Mounting
With Chelsea’s lackluster start to the season, Maresca’s job is under intense scrutiny. The team had set a target for Maresca to qualify for the Champions League this season, but with just eight points from six games and two Premier League losses in a row, the pressure is mounting. BBC Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer noted that as a Chelsea manager, you are acutely aware of the pressure that comes with losing matches, and Maresca will surely be cognizant of the situation.
Unsettling Signs
The signs are unsettling for Maresca, with the club’s owners venturing into the dressing room after the defeat by Brighton, which Maresca claimed was a normal occurrence. However, the fact that Chelsea signed Alejandro Garnacho for £40m, and he has featured in just one league match as a substitute, raises questions about the club’s transfer strategy. Furthermore, striker Marc Guiu has not played at all since being recalled from his loan spell, and academy product Josh Acheampong has barely been called upon.
A Challenging Road Ahead
As Chelsea prepares for the midweek Champions League game against Benfica and a Premier League match with defending champions Liverpool, Maresca will need to effect a rapid turnaround. With several injury problems, including his four main central defenders and star attacker Cole Palmer, Maresca faces a daunting task. The Italian coach’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in determining his future at the club.
