Coach Maresca reacts unusually as Chelsea extends their disappointing streak

Coach Enzo Maresca was absent from the post-match media session after Chelsea’s 2-2 draw, due to health problems that made him exit the field early and hand over press responsibilities to his assistant.

The 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge continued Chelsea’s run of disappointing performances, but the main focus after the final whistle was not just on the match result. Coach Enzo Maresca missed the usual press conference due to health reasons, a detail that quickly caught the attention of the British media.

According to the coaching staff, Maresca had been ill for two days before the match and his condition did not improve after the intense 90 minutes. Assistant Willy Caballero was assigned to speak to the press on behalf of the head coach.

The former Argentine goalkeeper stated: “He has been feeling unwell for the past two days. Two days ago, he had a fever. After the match, he went to the dressing room and asked me to answer the press conference on his behalf because he didn’t have the strength.”

Maresca’s absence immediately sparked many speculations, especially given Chelsea’s current period of intense pressure. The Blues failed to maintain their lead and continued to drop points, a recurring issue since the start of the season. However, Caballero emphasized that this was purely a health matter, unrelated to stress or avoiding the media.

When asked if Maresca would recover in time to lead the upcoming match against Manchester City, Caballero cautiously replied: “I’m not sure. I just hope Enzo recovers soon. I believe he will be fine in a day or two.” This statement somewhat reassured the fans, although the busy schedule clearly leaves little rest time for the coaching staff.

Regarding Chelsea’s overall situation, Caballero highlighted the head coach’s professionalism: “He is managing everything very well. He loves coaching, is very serious, and sets an example for the entire team. But it’s true that we haven’t played as well as expected in December.”

According to the assistant, the team views the start of the new year as an opportunity for adjustments and improvements: “We enter January with the goal of identifying areas to change in order to achieve our objectives.”

In reality, the pressure on Maresca is mounting. Chelsea has won only one of their last seven matches and lost many points from leading positions. On the league table, the Blues remain close to the Champions League spots but have played more matches than their direct rivals. In this context, every move related to the head coach is closely scrutinized.

Maresca’s absence from the press conference due to illness may have been an unfortunate incident, but it also reflects the heavy pressure the Italian coach is under. As Chelsea prepares for a tough run of fixtures, Maresca’s health and presence on the sidelines will be crucial in stabilizing the team.