Chelsea Turmoil Deepens After Brighton Defeat, But Maresca Downplays Boardroom Presence
What seemed like a dramatic intervention from Chelsea’s hierarchy after their 3-1 defeat to Brighton was, according to manager Enzo Maresca, nothing more than business as usual. The Italian clarified that co-owner Behdad Eghbali and senior directors’ post-match visit was a routine debrief in a private office, not a dressing-room inquest.
Maresca, speaking after a press conference delayed by 45 minutes, was keen to play down speculation that his position is under threat despite Chelsea’s stuttering start. The defeat leaves them with just three wins in eight matches, raising questions from pundits and fans alike.
Bright Start, Sudden Collapse
Chelsea began brightly at Stamford Bridge, controlling possession and creating chances through Maresca’s pressing style. Enzo Fernández’s 24th-minute header from a Reece James cross gave them a deserved lead. But the match swung five minutes into the second half when Trevoh Chalobah was sent off for a last-man foul on Diego Gómez, following a costly giveaway by substitute Andrey Santos.
From there, Brighton took control. Danny Welbeck equalized after Robert Sánchez spilled João Pedro’s shot, before Maxim De Cuyper headed in Kaoru Mitoma’s cross in stoppage time. Welbeck then added a second to seal Brighton’s first win at Stamford Bridge since 1977.
Mounting Pressure
The defeat, compounded by a midweek Champions League loss to Bayern Munich, sparked visible frustration among fans, with boos echoing around the Bridge and “Enzo Out” trending online. But Maresca insisted Chelsea’s problems stem from discipline and injuries rather than systemic flaws. “The red card changed everything—we were in control,” he said, criticizing his players for “giving away presents.”
Chelsea’s defensive crisis deepens with Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, and Tosin Adarabioyo still out injured, leaving Axel Disasi as the only fit senior center-back. Chalobah’s suspension adds to the strain ahead of a critical clash with Liverpool and a Champions League trip to Benfica.
Faith in the Project
Despite the poor results, reports from sources like the Telegraph and BBC Sport indicate the board continues to back Maresca, seeing the slump as part of a transition for a young squad built on heavy investment. Owners remain committed to the long-term rebuild and are not treating the latest defeat as a crisis point.
For now, Maresca’s honesty has eased fears of panic behind the scenes. But with tougher fixtures looming, the margin for error is narrowing fast.
