Enzo Maresca has defended his lineup and tactical decisions during Chelsea’s Boxing Day 2-1 defeat to Fulham, addressing criticism over his minimal substitutions and the absence of Joao Felix and Noni Madueke.
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Chelsea seemed to be in control after Cole Palmer’s brilliant first-half goal gave them the lead at Stamford Bridge. However, Fulham staged a late comeback, equalizing through Harry Wilson and clinching victory with Rodrigo Muniz’s injury-time goal.
Despite the mounting pressure, Maresca made only one change during the game, replacing Nicolas Jackson with Christopher Nkunku in the 73rd minute.
Addressing the decision, Maresca insisted it wasn’t about changing for the sake of it, emphasizing that his attacking players, including Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto, were performing well.
“I always aim to adjust when players aren’t delivering,” Maresca explained post-match. “Tonight, though, everyone on the pitch—Nico, Pedro, Jadon, Cole, and even Moi and Enzo—were doing well. Substituting just for the sake of it doesn’t make sense.”
When questioned about Felix’s lack of involvement and Marc Guiu’s omission, Maresca pointed to the intense competition for positions.
He noted that while Felix shares a similar role to Cole Palmer, playing both could disrupt the team’s balance.
On Noni Madueke’s exclusion, Maresca described it as a “technical decision,” leaving further details undisclosed.
The loss leaves Chelsea trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by four points. They will look to bounce back in their next match against Ipswich Town on December 30.
