‘Unbelievable’ – Enzo Maresca Speaks Out on Chelsea Star & Cole Palmer Woes

Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Everton on Saturday afternoon may have seen them take all three points, but manager Enzo Maresca had plenty to reflect on after the game. While the Blues earned a vital victory in their pursuit of Champions League football, the match highlighted both the positives and struggles within the squad.

Maresca, who watched the game from the press box as he served a one-match touchline ban, was quick to praise the performances of certain individuals, especially Romeo Lavia, while also addressing the ongoing struggles of others, such as Cole Palmer and Robert Sanchez.

The Italian boss, who has been under pressure after a patchy run of results this season, gave a brutally honest verdict on the performances of his players. Chelsea are still very much in transition, but the manager is hopeful that his team can get back to winning ways consistently—starting with their upcoming matches in the Europa Conference League and Premier League.

Romeo Lavia: A Star in the Making?

Romeo Lavia was only making the tenth start of his Chelsea career, 617 days after signing for the club / Vince Mignott/MB Media/GettyImages

One of the main talking points from the Chelsea-Everton clash was the return of Romeo Lavia. After an extended period on the sidelines, Lavia made his first start in three months, slotting into his natural position at the base of midfield. His return was timely for the Blues, especially given that Moises Caicedo was pushed out to a makeshift right-back role in Lavia’s absence.

Maresca’s comments about Lavia were filled with admiration and excitement for what the Belgian midfielder brings to Chelsea’s midfield. Reflecting on Lavia’s importance, Enzo Maresca said, “When he’s fit, he’s one of the best midfielders because he can defend very well, he can attack, he breaks the line, the pass between the lines, it is unbelievable.”

For Chelsea fans, it was a glimpse of what could be, assuming Lavia can stay fit. Enzo Maresca also highlighted the relationship he has with Lavia from their time together at Manchester City’s Under-23 team, where the Italian boss worked closely with the midfielder. “I spent one entire season with Romeo when I was under-23 coach at City,” Enzo Maresca explained. “So I know Romeo very well. For us, it’s like Reece James – they are both top players.”

Lavia’s ability to control the midfield with his passing range and defensive work was evident as Chelsea looked more solid in midfield against Everton, and Enzo Maresca knows how crucial the player can be if he remains healthy. “The only shame for us is that unfortunately we need to manage them, we need to protect them,” Enzo Maresca said, referring to both Lavia and James, “But there’s no doubt that Chelsea with Reece and Romeo is a better team.”

It’s clear that Lavia’s return could be pivotal for Chelsea’s push for a top-four finish in the Premier League and their European ambitions. If he can remain injury-free, he has the potential to become one of the club’s most influential players for years to come.

Cole Palmer’s Scoring Drought: A Worry for Chelsea?

While there were positives to take from Chelsea’s win over Everton, one player who continues to struggle is Cole Palmer. The winger, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer, has yet to score in 17 games, a stat that has many questioning his current form and suitability for the starting XI.

Palmer’s inability to find the back of the net has become a real concern for both him and the club, especially with his price tag weighing heavily on expectations. After making an impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge, his performances have since dipped, and the lack of goals is becoming a more pressing issue.

Maresca, though, remains supportive of the young Englishman. Reflecting on Palmer’s difficulties, the manager said, “When players struggle a little bit like Nico [Jackson], like Cole, like Robert [Sanchez], that’s the moment when you need to support them. It’s just a matter of time for all of them.”

Palmer has shown flashes of his ability in flashes, but his inconsistency has led to doubts about his immediate future. With Chelsea’s attack still struggling to find its rhythm, Palmer’s goal drought is a major factor in their ongoing issues in the final third. There are moments when he links up well with his teammates, but there remains a lack of confidence in front of goal. The challenge for Enzo Maresca will be to give Palmer the right environment to regain his form, but time is running out for the young forward to make a meaningful impact.

While Enzo Maresca is hopeful that Palmer will soon get back on track, the pressure is mounting for the forward to start delivering the goods. Chelsea’s attack has been an issue all season, and without consistent goals from the likes of Palmer, the team may struggle to make their push for a European place.

Robert Sanchez: A Goalkeeper Under Fire

Another player who has been at the centre of criticism this season is Robert Sanchez, Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper. The Spaniard has faced heavy scrutiny for some of his performances, particularly in matches where he has made costly errors. Despite being brought in as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, Sanchez has yet to fully convince Chelsea fans and pundits of his abilities.

Maresca, however, defended his goalkeeper in the face of growing criticism. “Robert has already had many good moments this season,” the manager said. “Like against Tottenham at home. It’s normal that as a human being you remember the bad things and not the good things. So with Robert we remember just the mistakes, but he has done some very good things.”

The goalkeeper has made crucial saves in several games, but his inconsistency has led to doubts about whether he can truly be trusted in the long term. Enzo Maresca, however, is firm in his support. “Hopefully he can continue until the end,” Maresca added, pointing out that footballers, particularly goalkeepers, go through rough patches. Sanchez needs the support of his manager and teammates to rebuild his confidence, but with the Premier League and Conference League matches coming thick and fast, his form will be under the microscope.

Chelsea’s Tough Run-In: Can Enzo Maresca Keep the Faith?

Chelsea’s immediate future is looking daunting, with a tough run of fixtures ahead. The Blues will travel to Sweden next week to face Djurgarden in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final. This match is crucial for their European hopes, and Enzo Maresca will be hoping to see improvements in form across the squad, particularly from the likes of Palmer, Sanchez, and Jackson.

Following their European campaign, Chelsea will face some of the toughest opponents in the Premier League, with matches against Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest in their final few games. These fixtures could be make-or-break for Chelsea’s top-four ambitions, and Enzo Maresca will need his squad to be firing on all cylinders.

Despite the struggles in attack and at times in goal, there are reasons to believe Chelsea can finish the season strongly. The return of Lavia is a big boost, and the club’s defensive solidity, when they are at their best, can provide a solid foundation. If players like Palmer can regain their form and contribute to the attack, Chelsea will stand a better chance of securing European football for next season.

Maresca’s leadership will be tested in the final stretch of the season. As much as the manager remains supportive of his players, the time for results is running out. Chelsea have shown moments of promise this season, but they need to show consistency in their performances to secure the necessary points.

Conclusion: A Season of Reflection for Chelsea

Chelsea’s season has been a rollercoaster, filled with highs and lows, and the 1-0 victory over Everton was no exception. While there were positives—particularly Lavia’s return—questions still remain over several key players, including Palmer and Sanchez.

Maresca has shown that he is not afraid to speak openly about the struggles his team faces. With a tough run-in ahead and their European future hanging in the balance, Chelsea must find the right balance in their squad to push for a top-four finish and ensure that their efforts this season were not in vain. The manager and players alike will need to dig deep and deliver when it matters most. The next few weeks could define the future of Chelsea Football Club.