“I’m starting to believe that Enzo Maresca is the root cause of Chelsea’s problems. He made so many tactical errors today especially in the defense” – This is according to Didier Drogba as he points out two choices made by Enzo Maresca that played a major role in Chelsea’s poor defensive display that leads to two goals being conceded in only the first half
Chelsea’s New Chapter Under Maresca Already Showing Signs of Trouble — Drogba Sounds the Alarm
The beginning of what was hoped to be a promising new era at Chelsea Football Club under the guidance of head coach Enzo Maresca is beginning to show worrying signs of instability. Chelsea legend and club icon Didier Drogba has spoken out candidly, offering a scathing critique of Maresca’s recent tactical decisions following yet another underwhelming team performance. In this match, the Blues found themselves trailing after conceding two goals in the first half alone — a result that has further deepened concerns among fans and pundits alike.
In a fiery and emotionally charged post-match analysis during a popular football program, Drogba didn’t mince words as he questioned Maresca’s leadership and strategic judgment. “I’m starting to believe that Enzo Maresca is at the core of Chelsea’s ongoing issues,” Drogba declared. “His tactical errors today, particularly in the defensive setup, were glaring and costly.” His comments struck a nerve with Chelsea supporters, many of whom are beginning to share his frustration as the club struggles to find form and consistency.
Drogba, remembered fondly for his heroics during Chelsea’s 2012 UEFA Champions League triumph, highlighted two specific decisions made by Maresca that, in his opinion, directly led to the team’s defensive breakdown in the opening 45 minutes.
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A Tactical System That Left the Team Vulnerable
The first decision under scrutiny was Maresca’s continued implementation of an aggressive and unconventional formation — specifically, his use of inverted fullbacks. This approach, which he previously favored during his time at Leicester City, involves repositioning fullbacks to move into central midfield areas when the team is in possession of the ball. The idea is to maintain control and numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch. However, the execution on this occasion left Chelsea’s flanks dangerously exposed.
Opponents quickly capitalized on the space left behind, launching swift counterattacks that left Chelsea’s defense scrambling. The first goal they conceded was the result of a simple cross-field pass that caught the defenders completely out of shape, enabling the opposing winger to break into the box with ease and calmly slot the ball into the net.
“That’s a clear coaching oversight,” Drogba said bluntly. “You can’t expect young fullbacks to suddenly play as if they’re experienced midfielders without preparing them or giving them the right support structure. This is the Premier League — mistakes like that get punished.”
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Confusing Center-Back Choices Add to Defensive Chaos
Drogba also took issue with Maresca’s unexpected and, to many, baffling decision to pair Axel Disasi with Benoît Badiashile in the center of defense, leaving out veteran Thiago Silva — a player known for his leadership and defensive organization. From the outset, this selection puzzled fans and analysts. By halftime, its negative impact was already apparent.
The new central defensive pairing struggled to maintain positional awareness and failed to communicate effectively. Their lack of coordination allowed the opposing striker to drift into open space between them and score the second goal with minimal resistance.
“Having a commanding presence in the backline is absolutely essential,” Drogba emphasized. “You can’t build a defense on raw ability alone. You need someone who acts as the general — someone who directs traffic, motivates the team, and ensures everyone is in the right place. Thiago Silva might be older, but his leadership and game-reading skills are invaluable. Leaving him out was a major mistake.”
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Supporters’ Frustration Reaching a Boiling Point
Chelsea’s second defeat in just three matches has reignited long-standing anxieties among the club’s fan base, many of whom had high hopes for a revitalized team under Maresca. Instead, what they’re seeing is a side that appears fragmented, lacking cohesion, and far from ready to compete for European qualification, let alone challenge for major trophies.
In the hours following the match, social media platforms were flooded with criticism. The hashtag #MarescaOut quickly began trending on X (formerly Twitter), as supporters voiced their concern that while Maresca’s ideas may be innovative, they are proving too theoretical and unsuited to a squad still struggling to rebuild its identity after several tumultuous seasons.
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A Stern Message to the Chelsea Boardroom
In his closing remarks, Drogba offered what could be interpreted as both a plea and a warning to the Chelsea board. While acknowledging that Maresca may have a vision, he emphasized the urgency of the situation. “If the board truly believes Maresca is the right man for the job, then they need to provide him with the right support — and they need to do it quickly. But if things continue down this path, Chelsea could be staring at yet another disappointing and chaotic season. The club needs to wake up — now.”
As Chelsea faces a series of challenging fixtures ahead, the pressure on Enzo Maresca is intensifying. The question now looms large: Can he swiftly adapt, learn from these missteps, and bring stability to a faltering defense? Or will he join the long list of managers who have failed to endure the unforgiving expectations that come with managing a club of Chelsea’s stature?
