Enzo Maresca Explains What Has Gone Wrong for Chelsea

Enzo Maresca Under Pressure Amid Chelsea’s Poor Form

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has found himself under increasing pressure as the Blues endure a miserable run of results, managing just three wins from their last 12 games across all competitions. Once considered outside contenders for the Premier League title in December, Chelsea have failed to capitalize on a favorable set of fixtures, with their latest defeat to Aston Villa leaving them languishing in seventh place.

Enzo Maresca has admitted that Chelsea’s struggles extend to both ends of the pitch, with issues in both attack and defense contributing to their downturn in form. The Italian coach is working hard to rectify these problems but acknowledges that significant improvements are needed to regain momentum.

Chelsea’s Struggles: A Lack of Efficiency in Both Boxes

Speaking about Chelsea’s difficulties, Enzo Maresca explained that the team has lost its effectiveness in crucial areas of the pitch.

“Probably there is always more than one reason,” Enzo Maresca said. “I think in the last seven, eight, ten games, the huge difference for me has been especially inside the box – in both boxes.”

Chelsea have been able to create chances in almost every match, but their lack of clinical finishing and defensive fragility have cost them dearly.

“[Apart from] Brighton away in the Premier League, in all the rest we always created chances, we almost always scored, so the difference probably has been inside the box. We need to be defensively more strong and more clinical when we get the chance.”

Chelsea’s Problem Holding on to Leads

One of the most alarming statistics highlighting Chelsea’s struggles is their tally of 13 points dropped from winning positions since Boxing Day – more than any other team in the division. This issue has cost them valuable points and significantly impacted their league standing.

When presented with this statistic, Enzo Maresca admitted he was still searching for a definitive explanation.

“I don’t know [what that tells me],” he responded. “I don’t have an answer for that. I knew this, that we dropped 13 points from winning positions.”

Enzo Maresca acknowledged that protecting a lead has been a major issue for Chelsea, often leaving them vulnerable to conceding late goals.

“Sometimes it’s football. Sometimes there is a reason why. We are trying to understand a little bit. The good thing is at least you were in front in these kinds of games but now it is the other part, when you are in front and trying to protect that.”

Missed Chances Proving Costly for Chelsea

Another key factor in Chelsea’s recent slump has been their inability to convert goal-scoring opportunities when leading in matches. Enzo Maresca detailed how Chelsea often fail to extend their advantage, leaving the door open for opponents to stage comebacks.

“In almost all these games, we analyze, we have chances to go from 1-0 to 2-0, from 0-1 to 0-2, and we miss more than once. Even the other day, against Villa, we had four or five chances for 0-2, 0-2, 0-2. If you miss, the game is always open, and anything can happen, but for sure, it is something we need to understand.”

This inefficiency in front of goal has contributed to Chelsea’s inability to close out games, making them vulnerable to late equalizers or even defeats.

Cole Palmer: The Spotlight on Chelsea’s Talisman

Despite Chelsea’s struggles, one player who has remained in the spotlight is Cole Palmer. The talented attacker has been one of Chelsea’s most influential players this season, but even his efforts have not been enough to turn the tide in recent weeks. As Enzo Maresca works on fixing the team’s issues, Palmer’s form will be crucial in Chelsea’s fight to regain their confidence and climb back up the league table.

Can Enzo Maresca Turn Things Around?

With Chelsea currently in seventh place, time is running out for Enzo Maresca to address the club’s problems. The Italian coach must find a solution to the team’s defensive frailties and lack of clinical finishing if they are to salvage their season. While Chelsea still possess a talented squad, their inconsistencies have hindered their progress.

As the Blues look ahead to their upcoming fixtures, the pressure on Enzo Maresca will only intensify. Chelsea fans will be hoping that their manager can find the answers soon and guide the team back to winning ways.