Chelsea pulled off a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over West Ham at Stamford Bridge, keeping their hopes alive in the title race. However, not everyone was satisfied with the team’s performance, particularly legendary former manager José Mourinho. Known for his tactical discipline and high standards, Mourinho did not hesitate to voice his strong disapproval of manager Enzo Maresca’s decisions during the game.
Speaking after the match, Mourinho highlighted the crucial role of a late, deflected goal by Cole Palmer, without which Chelsea could have faced a devastating loss. He questioned why Maresca continues to place his trust in specific players during high-stakes matches, calling such decisions reckless and warning that they could prove detrimental in the long run. Mourinho asserted that he would never have made such risky choices and urged the Chelsea manager to reconsider his team selections going forward.
These critical remarks stirred up discussions among Chelsea supporters, with many echoing Mourinho’s concerns. The former manager’s sharpest criticisms were reserved for João Félix, Nicolas Jackson, and Levi Colwill. According to Mourinho, Félix’s presence on the field has not contributed value to the team, and he suggested it was time to bench the forward. However, his strongest disappointment lay with Jackson and Colwill, whom he accused of nearly costing Chelsea the game.
Jackson, who has struggled with inconsistency throughout the season, failed to make a meaningful impact during the match. He squandered several critical opportunities and contributed little to the attacking efforts. His decision-making and finishing abilities have repeatedly come under scrutiny, and this performance only intensified doubts about his readiness for high-pressure fixtures. Many fans agreed with Mourinho, questioning whether Jackson should retain his starting position.
On the defensive side, Colwill’s performance was similarly concerning. His errors and lapses in concentration caused unnecessary pressure on the team’s backline, which at times seemed on the brink of collapse. Mourinho’s frustration was evident as he implied that Colwill’s lack of composure and defensive awareness nearly led to disaster. Despite being a young and talented defender, Colwill’s recurring mistakes have raised questions about his reliability in crucial matches.
The fanbase has been divided in response to Mourinho’s remarks. While some supporters believe the criticism was excessively harsh and feel Jackson and Colwill need time to develop under Maresca’s guidance, others agree that changes are necessary if Chelsea hopes to compete seriously for trophies this season. The pressure is now mounting on Maresca to decide whether to continue backing these players or make adjustments to strengthen the team.
While Chelsea’s victory against West Ham was a relief for supporters, Mourinho’s blunt assessment has cast a shadow over the result, leaving doubts about the team’s readiness for upcoming key fixtures. With important matches on the horizon, attention will now turn to Maresca’s future decisions. If mistakes like those seen against West Ham persist, Mourinho’s warnings may ultimately be validated.
