Enzo Maresca Under Pressure After Chelsea’s 3-1 Defeat to Brighton
The atmosphere around Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has shifted dramatically following the Blues’ 3-1 loss to Brighton. A costly red card for the second game in a row left Chelsea vulnerable, and the final whistle was met with boos echoing around Stamford Bridge. To make matters worse, Maresca’s post-match comments have raised eyebrows among the club’s hierarchy, fueling speculation about his future.
From Celebration to Concern
Not long ago, Maresca was being praised for guiding Chelsea to Champions League qualification and lifting the Club World Cup. But the tone has changed. Recent cracks have emerged in his relationship with the owners, especially after his public frustration over the team’s defensive depth.
The Italian openly admitted he was unhappy with squad decisions—particularly the recall of Axel Disasi—claiming he wasn’t given any explanation for the move. Such remarks have done little to ease concerns at board level.
Mounting Pressure at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea’s sluggish start to the Premier League campaign has piled pressure on Maresca. The club’s target this season is a return to the Champions League, but with just eight points from six games and back-to-back league defeats, questions about his long-term future are mounting.
Former England striker and BBC pundit Alan Shearer summed it up:
👉 “When you’re Chelsea manager, you know the pressure comes fast when the results don’t.”
Maresca, now six games into the league season, is already feeling that weight.
Unsettling Signs Behind the Scenes
There are growing concerns off the pitch too. After the Brighton defeat, Chelsea’s owners reportedly entered the dressing room—something Maresca dismissed as “normal,” but still a telling signal of tension.
Big-money signing Alejandro Garnacho, bought for £40 million, has played just one league match as a substitute. Young striker Marc Guiu hasn’t featured at all since being recalled from loan, while academy talent Josh Acheampong has barely been used. These decisions raise doubts about Chelsea’s transfer strategy and whether the squad is being maximized effectively.
A Crucial Week Ahead
The road doesn’t get any easier. Chelsea now face a critical Champions League clash against Benfica, followed by a Premier League showdown with defending champions Liverpool.
Adding to the challenge, Maresca is battling a severe injury crisis—four central defenders are unavailable, while star attacker Cole Palmer is sidelined. The Italian coach must find solutions quickly if he is to keep Chelsea’s season—and possibly his job—on track.
Can Maresca Survive the Pressure?
Enzo Maresca’s situation at Chelsea is becoming increasingly precarious. From fans’ frustration at Stamford Bridge to doubts within the boardroom, the margin for error is shrinking fast. How he handles the upcoming fixtures could well determine whether he remains in charge for the long haul—or becomes the latest Chelsea manager to fall victim to the club’s unforgiving standards.