Sport
Maresca Admits He Could Have Risked Chelsea’s Victory with Late Substitutions
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca admitted he may have risked his team’s chances of holding on to their 1-0 lead over Tottenham Hotspur after making defensive substitutions late in the game.
Reflecting on the moment, Maresca acknowledged that his decision to make changes before seeing how much stoppage time would be added was a mistake. “We created plenty of chances in the first half, but when I saw 12 minutes of extra time, I realized it might have been too soon to make those changes,” he told reporters.
With the game nearing its end, Maresca swapped Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez for defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and midfield anchor Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, which allowed Spurs to intensify their attack in search of an equalizer during the extended stoppage time.
Thankfully for Chelsea, the strategy paid off as they managed to hold on for the win. “We’re happy we won, but it was a close call,” Maresca added.
Chelsea player Enzo Fernández is in discussions to join Manchester City. This information was revealed by Fabrizio Romano, who shared that the two clubs are discussing a potential deal.
He wrote: “Enzo Fernández has a verbal agreement with Manchester City on personal terms.
“Deal depends on club-to-club decision, as #MCFC have not sent an official bid yet, but contacts will take place soon; decision on price is up to Chelsea.
“Enzo could be out again this weekend.”
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca mentions his captains for the team. He mentions Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland.
He shared “We have experienced players. For sure, we have leaders. Now we need to wait four or five more days until the transfer window closes to see if we can add one or two more captains to Ruben [Dias] and Erling , who at the moment are the two captains.”
Maresca confirmed the pair as part of his leadership group ahead of the 2026/27 season, with two more captains expected to be selected after the transfer window closes.
Chelsea manager speaks on the team and shares thoughts on considering a change in goalkeepers, giving another goalkeeper, Mike Penders, a chance.
“Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first.”
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Enzo Fernández Moves Closer to Manchester City Transfer
