Mood Shifts Around Enzo Maresca After Brighton Defeat
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca finds himself under increasing scrutiny after his side’s 3-1 loss to Brighton, a game marred by a second consecutive red card. Stamford Bridge rang with boos at full-time, and Maresca’s post-match remarks have raised concerns within the club’s hierarchy.
A Different Tone
Maresca’s attitude has shifted noticeably since Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup and secured Champions League football. The Italian’s recent comments have been poorly received by the ownership, particularly his public frustrations about defensive depth. He stated that the board “knows his position” on the matter and criticized the unexplained decision to reintegrate Axel Disasi into the first team.
Growing Pressure
With a sluggish start to the campaign, the pressure is building fast. Chelsea’s clear objective this season was to qualify for the Champions League, but with only eight points from six matches and back-to-back league defeats, that target already looks in jeopardy. Alan Shearer, speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, warned that every Chelsea manager knows how unforgiving the role becomes once defeats pile up — and Maresca will be feeling that heat.
Worrying Signals
The owners’ presence in the dressing room after the Brighton defeat, which Maresca brushed off as routine, has only added to the sense of unease. Questions are also mounting over recruitment: £40m signing Alejandro Garnacho has played just one Premier League game as a substitute, while Marc Guiu has yet to feature since returning from loan. Academy prospect Josh Acheampong has barely been involved either, casting doubt on the club’s squad management.
A Crucial Stretch Ahead
Maresca now faces a defining week, with a Champions League clash against Benfica followed by a daunting league encounter with reigning champions Liverpool. To make matters worse, injuries have sidelined his four main centre-backs along with key forward Cole Palmer.
