Enzo Maresca lead Chelsea into the EFL Cup Round of 16 tie against Newcastle. The two had met just a few days back in the Premier League. The Blues were able to beat the Magpies 2-1 in the league game. But, they would end up losing out in the knockout round by 2-0. It was not that the home side were playing exceptionally well. But the fact that the away team were just not good enough on the day. They made mistakes at the back and just could not convert when it came to finishing.
Where did Chelsea lose the game?
Firstly, Enzo Maresca would change the starting XI entirely. Nothing wrong with that. He has done the same in the previous games too. But that should be done according to the opponent you are facing. Newcastle are no easy team to beat. So even if you are rotating your players, your trusted options should be ready to come on in case you need them. Players like Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi put in terrible displays. The latter even managed to find the back of his own net.
What did Enzo Maresca say?
Chelsea were able to create a lot chances in the EFL Cup tie. But they were not able to finish them off. They dominated possession, had more shots on goal but still could not find the back of the net. At the same time, they would fail to create clear chances in the second half. But Enzo Maresca would refuse to sub on Cole Palmer. As per express, the manager would back Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku to get the job done. The former would even go on to miss a clear chance. Nonetheless, the manager hopes to shake-off this defeat and comeback stronger. The Blues play Manchester United next in the Premier League.
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