“I have warned Enzo Maresca about that particular player, he refused to bench him, He keeps causing problems to the teams

🗣️ “I have warned Enzo Maresca about that particular player — he refused to bench him!” 😡 Mauricio Pochettino blasts Chelsea star after Sunderland defeat, claims he ‘doesn’t deserve to start’

Chelsea’s 2–1 defeat to Sunderland has reopened old wounds and sparked a major storm at Stamford Bridge — and this time, it’s not just the fans who are furious. Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has unleashed a shocking statement, slamming one of the club’s current players while also taking a swipe at head coach Enzo Maresca for refusing to act on his past warnings.

Speaking to reporters in a tense post-match interview with Argentine media, Pochettino made it clear that he had previously cautioned Maresca about one “problematic” player in the Chelsea squad — a player he claims is “causing trouble within the team” and “costing them points every single week.”

“I have warned Enzo Maresca about that particular player,” Pochettino said bluntly. “He refused to bench him, and now everyone can see the result. That player keeps causing problems to the team. He cost Chelsea their defeat yesterday against Sunderland — and Enzo still played him for the full ninety minutes!”

⚠️ “That player doesn’t deserve to start, honestly… he needs to learn manners”

The former Chelsea boss didn’t mince his words as he went on to question not just the player’s form, but also his attitude and discipline on and off the pitch.

“That player doesn’t deserve to start, honestly,” Pochettino continued. “Talent is one thing, but attitude and professionalism are everything in football. He needs to learn manners — he needs to understand that no one is above the team. He’s young, he’s gifted, but he’s not untouchable.”

Pochettino’s harsh remarks have sent shockwaves through the Chelsea fanbase, with supporters now speculating feverishly about which player he was referring to. Some fans believe it’s aimed at a midfield regular known for costly turnovers, while others suspect it could be directed toward one of the forward players who has struggled with consistency and work rate.

😤 Maresca under growing pressure from fans

Enzo Maresca’s honeymoon period at Chelsea appears to be over. The defeat to Sunderland marked yet another frustrating night for the Blues — a match filled with defensive errors, wasted chances, and visible frustration among players.

Many fans online echoed Pochettino’s frustration, claiming Maresca’s stubborn loyalty to certain underperforming stars is dragging the team backward.

“He keeps picking the same players who make the same mistakes every week,” one frustrated supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Pochettino warned him, and now we’re paying the price.”

Another added: “If he won’t bench players who keep letting us down, then maybe Maresca doesn’t understand what this badge means.”

🔵 A deeper problem inside Stamford Bridge

Pochettino’s comments shed light on a bigger issue at Chelsea — one that goes beyond tactics. Sources close to the club have claimed for months that certain players’ attitudes and lack of discipline have created tension in the dressing room.

During his time in charge, Pochettino reportedly had multiple clashes with the same player he’s now referring to. While he stopped short of naming the individual publicly, those close to the former manager say he grew tired of “immaturity, disrespect, and lack of effort” from a few members of the squad.

His latest remarks suggest that those issues remain unresolved under Maresca.

“You can’t build a winning team when one player thinks he’s untouchable,” Pochettino warned. “Chelsea is a club that demands respect, effort, and focus. The badge on the shirt has to mean something.”

🏟️ Fans demand accountability

Chelsea’s defeat to Sunderland was particularly painful — not only because of the result, but because it exposed the same vulnerabilities that have plagued the team all season: defensive errors, lack of leadership, and questionable decision-making.

With the club now facing a difficult run of fixtures, Maresca is under pressure to make tough decisions — including whether to drop the player Pochettino has indirectly called out.

Many supporters now agree with the former boss’s assessment, calling for a “culture reset” at the club.

“We don’t just need new signings,” one fan said. “We need players who care — players who respect the shirt and the fans.”

⚽ The bottom line

Mauricio Pochettino’s blunt remarks have reignited debates about Chelsea’s internal struggles — and for Enzo Maresca, the warning couldn’t be clearer. Loyalty to underperforming players could cost him more than just matches; it could cost him the faith of supporters who are already growing restless.

As one pundit put it on Sky Sports:

“When a former manager publicly says he warned you about a player — and that same player keeps costing you games — it’s time to make changes.”

Whether Maresca listens this time remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Chelsea’s problems are no longer just tactical — they’re deeply personal.

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