Fans were left scratching their heads after Enzo Maresca opted to leave all three of Chelsea’s right backs on the bench against Ipswich Town. Reece James, Malo Gusto, and Josh Acheampong were fit, but none of them started. Trevoh Chalobah lined up at right back instead.
Robert Sanchez is in goal with Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella forming the back four. Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez sit in front of the defense, with Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Pedro Neto supporting Nicolas Jackson in attack.
Maresca chose a rearranged backline even though he had natural right-backs on the bench. Fans immediately turned to social media to express their anger. Others objected to the reasoning for not opting for the club’s best fullbacks. There were also a few who were worried about Maresca’s constant tinkering:
I talked about it already and they calling me the bad guy here. How the hell do you have your 3 natural RBs on the bench??? Mf even started them all on Thursday night wtf is wrong with this coach???
— 🍂 (@PeakReece) April 13, 2025
Why not just use James?? What is wrong with this Maresca guy
— 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐊 (@TheMahleek) April 13, 2025
Maresca has never done a complete lineup before. Why is he having two of his right backs on the bench and starting a cb as right back ?? Unless I don’t know what the game plan is …
He always finds ways and means for attention 🤦🏽♂️
— Fico (@CFCFico) April 13, 2025
You've got the best right back in the league. But you choose to play a cb as right back. This makes no sense. Baldiola is really Fraudiola.
— GENERIC CHELSEA FAN (@utkarshlampard) April 13, 2025
Why not play one of our RB's as a RB????
— Gracie 💋 (@Gracie_M1984) April 13, 2025
Why is Maresca allergic to Right Backs pic.twitter.com/7Ywk3iq2iy
— Haggashots⚡️ (@HauleHagai) April 13, 2025
There is an increasingly uneasy mood around Maresca’s selections, particularly in light of Chelsea’s struggles to be consistent. Unless there is a major plan in place, the manager’s team selection risks alienating some sections of the fanbase.
Enzo Maresca’s Rotation Gamble Puts Chelsea’s Top-Five Hopes at Risk
Chelsea fans have had to wonder lately what Enzo Maresca was thinking with some of his squad decisions. Much was made of the Italian coach’s decision to rest both Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson in a chastening goalless draw against Brentford.
For many observers, that was a must-win game in their race for Champions League qualification. Even in a 3-0 European romp over Legia Warsaw, the rotation was continued, with Jackson kept on the bench and Palmer withdrawn at half time.
With only seven Premier League matches remaining, the patience of those supporters is wearing thin. Chelsea are fifth after a run of dreadful results. However, they are level on points with seventh-placed Newcastle, who have one game in hand.
Their position in next season’s Champions League is far from assured, particularly with a challenging run-in that includes Liverpool and Manchester United. The upcoming fixtures, starting with Ipswich Town at home, will define their season.
Every point is critical now, and the seeming need for tactical tinkering is starting to annoy fans. If performances don’t translate into results soon, it might end up costing Chelsea a top-five finish.
The club’s expectation is Champions League football. If they do not make it, that would be a blow to morale. It could also affect Maresca’s prospects of managing from the Stamford Bridge dugout next season.
