Enzo Maresca Sends Clear Message to Chelsea Board Over New Signing After Levi Colwill Injury

Chelsea may be celebrating recent triumphs in Europe, but behind the scenes there is a growing tension between head coach Enzo Maresca and the club’s hierarchy. The Italian has made no secret of his frustration after losing Levi Colwill to a season-threatening injury, insisting that a new central defender is urgently required.

Speaking ahead of the new Premier League campaign, Maresca admitted that while the Blues are exploring internal solutions, he has already told the board exactly what he thinks — and it seems that message has yet to spark the response he wants.

Maresca Hints at Chelsea Disagreement After Colwill Blow

The blow came earlier this month when Colwill suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury. The 21-year-old, who had been central to Chelsea’s defensive setup and their ability to build from the back, is now expected to miss much of the season.

For Maresca, this is no minor setback. Colwill wasn’t just another option in the backline — he was the heartbeat of the team’s possession game. The coach has spoken time and again about how vital the middle centre-back is in his tactical system. Without Colwill, the balance is gone.

“The one in the middle in my way is so, so, so important,” Maresca told reporters. “We said many times that we are able to create chances and to attack in the right way if we are able to build in the right way. Levi was a huge part of our build-up and now he is out. We are trying to find solutions internally, but the club knows exactly what I think and we’ll see what happens.”

It was a revealing answer. Maresca did not directly criticise the club, but his words carried a clear message: he wants a replacement, and he wants one fast.

Can Fofana or Badiashile Fill the Gap?

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When pressed on whether Wesley Fofana or Benoît Badiashile could step into Colwill’s role, Maresca’s response suggested he had his doubts.

“He needs to be fit, first of all, and then he can do it,” the coach said of Fofana. The French defender has endured a nightmare with injuries since arriving at Stamford Bridge, and Maresca clearly doesn’t want to build his plans around someone who might not be available consistently.

Badiashile, meanwhile, has already been tested in that central role — and it didn’t go particularly well. “He played 45 minutes in that position, and it was the first half against Bournemouth away if you remember – probably one of the worst halves since we started,” Maresca explained. He also recalled the Conference League final, where Badiashile struggled in the opening half before Colwill’s introduction helped turn the game around.

“It’s not the same,” Maresca added bluntly, underlining just how irreplaceable Colwill has been.

Chelsea’s Defence: A Weak Spot Despite Recent Success

It’s ironic that Chelsea, fresh off lifting both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, find themselves entering the new season with such uncertainty at the back. Their attacking talent is there for all to see, but the defence remains a fragile point — and Colwill, perhaps their most reliable performer, is now unavailable for months.

Maresca’s frustration seems justified. The Italian is trying to build a side capable of competing at the very top of English and European football, yet he is left scrambling for solutions in the most important part of his system.

The Chelsea board, however, may not share his urgency. Rumours suggest the club are more focused on big-name attacking targets, such as Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons. While both would add flair and creativity, neither would fix the glaring issue at centre-back.

Time Running Out in the Transfer Window

The timing makes the situation even trickier. With just over two weeks remaining before the transfer window closes, Chelsea’s options are limited. Quality centre-backs don’t come cheap, and most clubs are reluctant to sell at this stage of the summer.

For Maresca, every passing day without reinforcement raises the risk of Chelsea heading into the season underprepared. His comments to the media could well be seen as a public reminder to the board that he has done his part — now it’s their turn.

What Next for the Blues?

If a new defender doesn’t arrive, Maresca will have to get creative. Perhaps Fofana can return to fitness and rediscover his Leicester City form. Maybe Badiashile can grow into the role with more experience. Or, more dramatically, the Italian could even experiment with a change of system that relies less on a ball-playing central defender.

Still, those are risky bets in a season where expectations are sky-high. After all, Chelsea have just re-entered the Champions League and will be expected to make a deep run. Competing with the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich requires not just attacking firepower but defensive stability.

A Subtle Warning From Maresca

In many ways, Maresca’s comments are both a plea and a warning. He has been clear about the type of football he wants to play and the personnel he needs to make it happen. Colwill was central to that vision, and his absence leaves a hole that cannot be patched over easily.

“The club knows what I think,” Maresca repeated. For Chelsea’s board, those words should ring loud and clear. They are not just a reflection of the manager’s current needs but also a signal about his long-term relationship with the decision-makers at Stamford Bridge.

If Maresca’s vision isn’t supported, frustration could grow. And while Chelsea are currently riding the high of their recent successes, unresolved tensions between the head coach and the hierarchy could cast a shadow over the months ahead.

For now, though, all eyes are on the transfer window clock. Will Chelsea act on Maresca’s demands, or will the Blues head into the season relying on patched-up solutions at the back? The answer could shape not only their campaign but also the trust between manager and board in the long run.