Enzo Maresca makes ‘regret’ comment as Garnacho verdict offered

The team has struggled to find consistency this season, dropping points in four of their first seven league games and conceding 13 goals in 10 matches across all competitions.

Injuries have taken a toll, with Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, and Liam Delap among those unavailable.

Disciplinary issues have added to the challenge, with Chelsea receiving four red cards in less than a month. Still, there are reasons to be encouraged.

Moises Caicedo has started the season in commanding, standout form, while Brazilian youngster Estevao is beginning to reveal glimpses of the world-class talent he promises to become, especially with his eye-catching cameo – and last-minute winner – against Liverpool.

Despite the lack of rhythm, missing key players, and lingering defensive concerns, Chelsea face several hurdles ahead of their visit to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Enzo Maresca insists he has no regrets about the red card he received during Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool. The Italian manager was sent off in stoppage time after sprinting down the touchline – Jose Mourinho-style – to celebrate Estevao’s dramatic late winner.

Maresca had already been cautioned in the first half for protesting referee Anthony Taylor’s decision not to award Chelsea a penalty. He then received a second yellow for leaving his technical area to join the celebrations.

As a result, he will be absent from Chelsea’s match against Forest this weekend due to a one-game suspension. Still, the former Leicester manager believes the moment was worth it. “It was a huge emotion,” Maresca said at the Trento Sports Festival.

“It’s my second season at Chelsea and it was the first time we won at home in the last minute. Sending off? Many times football is passion, instinct. I probably didn’t have time to think. It was an instinctive reaction, but I think it was worth it.”

Maresca may not yet have the same bond with Chelsea fans as Mourinho, Thomas Tuchel, or Antonio Conte, but his passionate sprint down the sideline has earned admiration.

Supporters often value a manager who shows emotion, and Maresca’s celebration offered a glimpse of a potentially exciting connection between him and the fanbase.

Chelsea’s injury problems have persisted all season, and the international break hasn’t eased the situation. Enzo Fernandez, a regular starter, had to pull out of Argentina duty this weekend due to synovitis in his right knee.

His precautionary absence now casts doubt on his availability for Chelsea’s clash with Nottingham Forest. Fortunately, Maresca has Andrey Santos ready to step in.

The Brazilian, who spent last season on loan at Strasbourg, is considered one of the top young talents in the sport, and Fernandez’s setback could be the perfect opening for him to make his mark at Chelsea.

Santos has played seven times this season, but only started twice – and just once in the Premier League, in last month’s loss to Brighton – and was taken off early after Trevoh Chalobah received a red card.

The 21-year-old has been recovering from a knock since that game but returned to full fitness this week, potentially easing Maresca’s midfield concerns.

Santos is adaptable, capable of playing as a No. 6 or No. 8, and has also featured in the No. 10 role.

He netted 11 goals in 34 appearances in France last season but is still waiting to score for Chelsea. Despite speculation over a summer loan, Maresca made it clear the Brazilian would stay at Stamford Bridge after impressing in pre-season.

“First of all, I am very happy with Andrey and the idea that Andrey stays here with us,” Maresca said in August.

“He can play in Enzo Fernandez or Moises Caicedo’s positions for sure. He played one game in the Club World Cup against Palmeiras where he was very good as a No. 6. So he can play in both positions very well.”

While Fernandez’s injury is a setback, it could be Santos’ chance to shine. A similar situation unfolded with Estevao earlier this season: injuries gave him a creative role, and he thrived.

A consistent run could do the same for Santos, helping him establish himself and potentially become another Brazilian star at Chelsea.

Garnacho verdict

Manchester United icon Teddy Sheringham is unsure whether Alejandro Garnacho will succeed at Chelsea and believes his decision to leave Old Trafford was unwise.

Despite being one of United’s brightest prospects, Garnacho was sold to Chelsea for £40million this summer after falling out with manager Ruben Amorim.

Sheringham – who scored 46 goals for United and helped them win three Premier League titles and the Champions League – feels the youngster might have been better off staying and working to rebuild trust with Amorim.

He also cautioned that Garnacho may regret leaving such a major club so soon.

“I think Alejandro Garnacho is a very talented player, but only time will tell whether he’s able to be a success at Chelsea,” the former England striker told Coin Poker.

“He made a big move in leaving Manchester United for Chelsea, and it’s not one I would have advised him to make if I were a part of his team.

“When you’re at United you have to try your utmost to make it work. It is the biggest club in the world, so you won’t be leaving for a better club, and the opportunity to come back won’t be there, especially with the manner in which he left and the way the fans have reacted to it.”

Garnacho has had a slow start at Stamford Bridge, failing to score or assist in his first five matches.

However, he showed flashes of his talent in the win over Liverpool, just days after playing a key role in Chelsea’s late winner against Benfica.