Injuries played a significant role in Chelsea’s struggles, with multiple forwards unavailable. However, Maresca insisted that his team must find solutions despite these setbacks….reports Asian Lite News
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was visibly frustrated after his side suffered a humbling 0-3 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday. Calling it Chelsea’s “worst performance” since his arrival, Maresca admitted his team failed to rise to the occasion.
On a night to forget, Chelsea failed to register even a single shot on target. Kaoru Mitoma, who had already haunted Chelsea by scoring the winner in their FA Cup elimination last week, struck first with a brilliant goal. Yankuba Minteh then added two more, sealing a dominant Brighton victory as Chelsea struggled to respond.
“Probably since I arrived, that is the worst performance, especially considering the moment we are in,” Maresca told Sky Sports.
Chelsea entered the match sitting fourth in the Premier League, with a golden opportunity to close the gap on third place. A win would have put them just one point behind, but instead, their performance disappointed both the team and fans.
“The performance is not one you want to offer, so we are very upset and sorry for the fans that were here,” Maresca added.
The traveling Chelsea supporters braved the cold south coast weather, only to witness a lackluster display from their injury-hit side. Several key attacking players were sidelined, and Chelsea’s attack lacked creativity and urgency.
“For half an hour, I think we were in control,” the 45-year-old Italian reflected. “But after Mitoma’s goal, we looked vulnerable and conceded chances too easily. At the same time, we struggled to create anything going forward.”
Injuries played a significant role in Chelsea’s struggles, with multiple forwards unavailable. However, Maresca insisted that his team must find solutions despite these setbacks.
“The reason why is because of the injuries, especially with the strikers. Important players are out, but we need to find a way to cope,” he said.
Maresca attempted to compensate by playing Christopher Nkunku as a central striker, with Cole Palmer in a supporting role. However, neither player could trouble Brighton’s solid defense, leaving Chelsea toothless in attack.
“This is the worst moment since I arrived,” Maresca admitted. “But we are still in the race, and we must finish the season in the best way possible.”
With this painful defeat behind them, Chelsea now faces the challenge of regaining momentum as they return to London.
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