Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has openly criticized Enzo Maresca, urging him to reconsider his team selection. Tuchel claims that Maresca is repeating past mistakes by consistently starting a player who, in his opinion, doesn’t merit a place in the lineup. Reflecting on a missed opportunity to top the league during Maresca’s time at Manchester City, Tuchel emphasized the consequences of ignoring such advice.
Meanwhile, Maresca, now Chelsea’s head coach, expressed contentment with his team’s performance in their goalless draw against Everton at Goodison Park. Despite failing to secure a win, he commended his squad for adapting to a challenging match against a defensively disciplined Everton side.
“I’m genuinely pleased with the result,” Maresca shared in a post-match press conference. “Today’s draw means more than our victory against Brentford. Everton’s defensive structure is among the best in Europe, and breaking them down was always going to be difficult. We adjusted our strategy accordingly and gave our best effort.”
Maresca admitted that Everton’s defense left few openings, despite second-half adjustments, including pushing Enzo Fernandez into a more advanced midfield role. “Creating chances was tough, but the team kept trying. We didn’t find the goal, but I’m proud of their determination and adaptability,” he added.
The Chelsea boss also highlighted Tosin Adarabioyo’s defensive contribution, crediting him with a pivotal block that preserved the clean sheet. “Tosin was exceptional, as was the entire defensive unit. With the injuries we’ve faced, keeping a clean sheet shows the resilience and effort of the squad.”
He further praised goalkeeper Robert Sanchez for his focus and key interventions, despite not being tested frequently. “Robert made some important saves. His hard work in training is evident, and it’s reassuring to know we can rely on him when needed.”
Acknowledging the difficult playing conditions caused by strong winds, Maresca noted the game required adaptability. “It wasn’t a typical match; long balls, second balls, and set pieces dominated. But the team showed incredible unity, which is a positive takeaway. We’ll build on this and look ahead to the next match.”
Tuchel’s concerns and Maresca’s optimism reflect contrasting perspectives on Chelsea’s current trajectory. Time will tell whether Maresca heeds the warnings or sticks firmly to his approach.
