LATEST NEWS: Enzo Maresca addressed the recent altercation, discussed the Jackson incident, and provided updates on the injuries affecting Colwill and Madueke.
Enzo Maresca addressed the media following Chelsea’s 1-1 tie with Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon. After making 11 changes to the team that defeated Gent on Thursday, Chelsea started the match positively but struggled to generate many chances until Cole Palmer hit the post just before halftime.
Nottingham Forest, however, created a few opportunities of their own and managed to take the lead early in the second half when Chris Wood scored from inside the box after a free-kick taken from the halfway line. But Forest’s advantage was short-lived as Chelsea’s Noni Madueke equalized just eight minutes later.
The match took a chaotic turn in the final stages at Stamford Bridge. James Ward-Prowse received a red card for two yellow card offenses, sparking a brief altercation near the Chelsea bench. Despite Chelsea’s dominant position late in the match, both Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku missed clear chances that could have sealed the victory.
Maresca’s side had their goalkeeper, Sanchez, to thank in stoppage time as he made crucial saves against Neco Williams and Jota Silva, keeping the match level. Below is a breakdown of Maresca’s post-match thoughts following the match at Stamford Bridge:
Chelsea began brightly but found it hard to convert their possession into clear-cut chances until Palmer’s shot hit the woodwork late in the first half. Forest capitalized on one of their rare opportunities when Chris Wood poked in from close range after a long free-kick. Chelsea quickly responded with Madueke scoring to level the match.
The game became frenetic in its closing moments, with James Ward-Prowse being sent off, leaving Forest to defend with 10 men. The tension escalated further as tempers flared near the Chelsea bench. Although Chelsea had opportunities to win the match, including missed chances from Felix and Nkunku, Forest’s strong defensive stance and Sanchez’s last-minute saves denied them victory.
Maresca acknowledged the tough, competitive nature of the match and commented on Chelsea’s overall performance, stating that while his team played well and deserved to win, football doesn’t always provide the results based solely on merit. He emphasized that Chelsea maintained control for most of the game, especially in the first half, and dealt with a more defensive Forest side after the red card.
When asked about the physicality and the incident near the bench, Maresca admitted these moments can happen in football but expressed satisfaction with his team’s fighting spirit and unity, noting that the discipline could improve but overall he was pleased with their commitment. Maresca also addressed the suspensions Chelsea will face following the match, stating that although it’s something to work on, he remains confident in his squad’s readiness to adapt during the international break.
Regarding individual performances, Maresca praised players like Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho for their contributions, highlighting their positive impact. He mentioned that the depth in the squad is an asset, allowing Chelsea to rotate players effectively and share minutes while still maintaining a high level of competition across different matches.
Maresca concluded by reflecting on Chelsea’s results at home and away. While Chelsea’s away form has been stronger, he reassured that the team is performing well, particularly emphasizing the importance of their approach and adaptability against different types of opponents. He finished on a positive note, emphasizing his satisfaction with the team’s progress and their ability to handle various challenges, both at home and on the roads.