Accusations of one-dimensional tactics are growing, and it was naive of Maresca to respond to Chelsea losing to Brighton in the FA Cup last weekend by suggesting it could help them focus on their Premier League and Conference League campaigns.
Perhaps there was logic to Maresca’s comments – fewer distractions could aid Chelsea’s league form – but making them immediately after going out of a winnable competition felt unwise.
Maresca described coaching Chelsea during it as “a disaster” and will be even more on edge after learning that Nicolas Jackson is not expected to return from a hamstring problem until early April.
The good news for Enzo Maresca is that refusing to accept Chelsea were in the title race earlier this season looks impressively prescient.
Now Maresca, whose side return to league action with another trip to Brighton on Friday night, goes into a crucial period without a conventional striker.
