Chelsea’s fans remain unconvinced by Enzo Maresca’s approach, even as their team edges back into the top four. The possession-heavy tactics of “Marescaball” have yet to capture hearts at Stamford Bridge, and frustrations were evident once again in their victory over Leicester City.
Maresca’s own irritation was clear when Marc Cucurella broke the deadlock after an hour of sluggish play. Rather than celebrating, the head coach angrily gestured for more noise from the crowd, frustrated by their grumbling over his side’s cautious passing. But Chelsea’s struggles against a Leicester side seemingly destined for relegation made dissatisfaction understandable.
There were mitigating factors, including Cole Palmer’s insistence on starting despite suffering from illness, which contributed to a subdued display. But Maresca also pointed to Leicester’s switch to a back five under Ruud van Nistelrooy, a change that forced Chelsea to adjust their approach. Cucurella, originally expected to play a more central role, was asked to provide width from left-back. Maresca later suggested that such tactical shifts were too subtle for outsiders to appreciate.
His impatience showed as he defended his team’s playing style. Reacting to boos that followed a backpass from Enzo Fernández shortly before the goal, he urged fans to back the team. “It’s our style,” he said. “We need our fans behind us. Every game is difficult this isn’t PlayStation.”
Maresca’s frustration perhaps masked the reality that Chelsea were slow to react to Leicester’s defensive setup. Given their struggles, it was fortunate that the visitors lacked any real threat. Leicester, adrift in the relegation zone and winless in five, appear directionless under Van Nistelrooy, whose future looks increasingly uncertain.
Despite setting up defensively, Leicester nearly took a bizarre lead when James Justin’s cross caused chaos in Chelsea’s box. Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez, a surprise starter, flapped at the ball, and Tosin Adarabioyo’s attempted clearance struck the crossbar before Levi Colwill denied Jamie Vardy a tap-in.
Chelsea’s attacking rhythm never fully materialized. Pedro Neto saw little of the ball, while Wilfred Ndidi and Boubakary Soumaré matched Moisés Caicedo and Fernández in midfield. Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku had quiet games on the flanks, and Palmer, previously a free-scoring force, looked off the pace. His struggles were epitomized by a missed penalty in the 19th minute, with Mads Hermansen making a comfortable save.
The first half ended with Chelsea drifting into lethargy. Palmer, his energy sapped, saw another effort saved, while Nkunku was also denied by Hermansen. Wesley Fofana, making his first start since December, was ineffective at right-back, and Maresca’s system offered little width.
Just as the tension in the stands grew, Cucurella delivered the moment Chelsea needed. His low strike from 20 yards slid past Hermansen, and Maresca immediately demanded more positivity from the crowd.
The mood remained uncertain, but Leicester lacked the firepower to capitalize. Vardy forced a save from Sánchez, yet an equalizer never felt likely. Chelsea, though unconvincing, head into their next fixture against Arsenal with some momentum.
