“I WARNED ENZO, BUT HE REFUSED TO LISTEN”
Pochettino Slams Chelsea’s Biggest Liability After Brighton Defeat
The storm over Stamford Bridge has darkened once again — and this time, it’s not just supporters venting their anger. Former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has delivered a blistering attack on Enzo Maresca’s team selection after the Blues’ damaging loss to Brighton, claiming he had already warned his successor about one underperforming player who is “a disaster waiting to happen.”
According to Pochettino, the player was at the heart of Chelsea’s downfall but was still left on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. The Argentine’s words were scathing:
“I warned Enzo Maresca about that particular player. He refused to bench him. He keeps causing problems to the team, and he cost Chelsea their defeat yesterday against Brighton. Still, Enzo played him full time. It’s an unforgivable mistake.”
🔥 A Blow at Maresca’s Judgment
Pochettino’s criticism wasn’t limited to the player. He took direct aim at Maresca’s decision-making, accusing him of showing a weakness that rivals will continue to exploit. In his view, trust in this struggling figure is costing Chelsea dearly at a time when consistency is critical.
🏟️ Brighton Game Exposes the Flaws
The defeat at the Amex was more than just lost points. Defensive lapses, poor tracking, and sloppy passing left Chelsea exposed time and again. The unnamed player Pochettino referenced was reportedly central to the chaos — losing possession cheaply, missing tackles, and failing to follow runners in key moments.
Fans quickly echoed Pochettino’s frustration, with calls growing for the player to be dropped before he does further damage to Chelsea’s season.
⚠️ “Doesn’t Deserve to Start”
Pochettino’s sharpest remark left no room for doubt:
“That is a player who doesn’t deserve to start for Chelsea.”
While he avoided naming names, sources close to the club suggest the identity is no mystery — supporters already suspect who the target is.
💣 What It Means for Maresca
Maresca now finds himself at a crossroads. Continuing to back a player who has lost faith with both fans and former coaches risks fueling unrest in the dressing room and piling pressure on his job. Dropping him, however, could mark a decisive turning point in Maresca’s tenure — a statement that no player is untouchable.
One thing is certain: Pochettino’s words have ignited fresh tension at Chelsea, and all eyes will be on Maresca’s next lineup.
The burning question: Will he finally listen, or persist with a liability that could cost him more than just games?
