BREAKING NEWS: live from Stamford bridge, Chelsea legend tells club to bench Flop against Noah FC if the want to emerge victorious at home soil today. He said, “Starting him against Noah FC is an absolute joke! If Chelsea wants to win, he MUST be replaced—no question about it. His inconsistency has cost us before, and it WILL cost us again. He has no place in that lineup, not in a game this crucial.
Enzo Maresca has expressed frustration over his inability to consistently include Chelsea’s expensive attacking players, worth a combined £135 million, in the starting lineup. Since joining from Leicester, the Italian manager has enjoyed a promising start at Stamford Bridge, guiding Chelsea to fourth place in the Premier League with five wins from their first ten games.
In addition to their strong league performance, Maresca has led Chelsea to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and maintained an unbeaten record in the Europa Conference League. However, balancing the team’s attacking options remains a challenge.
Joao Felix, who returned to Chelsea on a permanent deal, has featured in just five league games, while Christopher Nkunku has made only one league start. Ahead of Chelsea’s match against Noah, Maresca said, “I feel ashamed for Joao and wish I could give him more minutes, but we need defensive stability. We can’t field Joao, Cole [Palmer], and Christo [Nkunku] all at once. I’d love to have them all on the pitch, but balance is crucial. Joao will get his chance if he keeps working hard.”
Nkunku, expected to be a key player following his big-money move from RB Leipzig, has scored eight goals this season, though most have come in cup competitions. Maresca noted, “Christo delivers whenever he plays and was probably our best player in pre-season. He excelled as an attacking midfielder then, but we’re now using him as a number nine, even though he’s more comfortable as a second striker.”
Maresca is still working to find the right balance for Chelsea’s attack, which also includes Mykhailo Mudryk. He acknowledged that each player “deserves more opportunities in the Premier League” but stressed the importance of adaptability, as not everyone can play in their preferred role.
Maresca may rotate his squad for Thursday’s game against Noah, with a crucial match against Arsenal looming at Stamford Bridge over the weekend.
