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Maresca Says Chelsea Struggled Without a Striker in Brighton Loss
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that playing without a natural striker has been a tough challenge for his team.
With Nicolas Jackson sidelined for up to eight weeks due to a hamstring injury, Maresca had no choice but to start Christopher Nkunku as the lone forward.
However, Chelsea struggled in attack and failed to register a single shot on target as they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Brighton on Friday night.
“It’s not easy when you don’t have a proper number nine,” Maresca said. “You have to find alternative solutions. In the final third, we struggled to do things we were doing well just a week or two ago.
This is the toughest period since I arrived, but we’re still in the fight and need to finish strong.”
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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