Three Players at Risk Chelsea Boss Frustrated After Defeat to Celtic
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faces a tough task at Stamford Bridge after his side suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Celtic in a pre-season friendly.
The loss has highlighted significant defensive frailties and raised questions about the future of several key players.
Poor Pre-Season Performance
The defeat against Celtic comes on the heels of a 2-2 draw with Wrexham, leaving Chelsea winless under their new manager. The match against Celtic saw the Blues field a strong lineup, including Christopher Nkunku, Wesley Fofana, and Mykhaylo Mudryk, but they were thoroughly outplayed.
Celtic took full advantage of Chelsea’s disjointed 4-2-3-1 formation, with Matt O’Riley, Kyogo Furuhashi, Luis Palma, and Michael Johnston scoring to put the Scottish champions 4-0 up. Nkunku managed a late consolation goal from the penalty spot, but it was little more than a footnote in a disappointing performance.
Defensive Struggles
The Chelsea defense, particularly the pairing of Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, struggled significantly. Fofana and Badiashile were at fault for the opening goals, and Fofana’s replacement, Tosin Adarabioyo, also appeared unfit and unable to stop Celtic’s attack.
Maresca has expressed concerns about the defensive organization, stating, “We maintained a high line but when the ball is not under pressure, you need to drop … we are still confusing some things on the ball and off the ball. It is normal in this moment when we are trying to do something new.”
Underwhelming Offensive Display
Mykhaylo Mudryk was notably ineffective on the left wing, failing to make an impact and being substituted at halftime. His replacement, Raheem Sterling, provided a noticeable boost in energy and performance, raising further doubts about Mudryk’s role in the squad.
Potential Exits
As Chelsea seeks to rebuild under Maresca, the performances of several players are under scrutiny. Three players, in particular, are facing uncertain futures:
- Mykhaylo Mudryk
- Transfer Fee: £88 million
- Performance: Since joining from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023, Mudryk has scored just seven goals in 58 appearances. Despite his potential, his performances have not justified the significant investment, and he may be at risk if improvements aren’t made.
- Benoit Badiashile
- Transfer Fee: £35 million
- Performance: Badiashile’s defensive lapses and poor positioning have been concerning. His struggles to adapt to Maresca’s tactical system could lead to his departure if improvements are not forthcoming.
- Wesley Fofana
- Transfer Fee: £70 million
- Performance: Fofana has been plagued by injuries since his move from Leicester, limiting him to only 20 appearances in two years. His poor display against Celtic adds to the uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.
Financial Implications
Selling all three players could result in substantial financial losses for Chelsea, given the combined £185 million spent on their transfers. However, Maresca may have to make tough decisions to achieve the desired squad balance and improve performances.
Looking Forward
As Chelsea prepares for the new season, Maresca faces the challenge of refining his squad and implementing his tactical philosophy. The upcoming matches will be crucial for players like Mudryk, Badiashile, and Fofana to prove their worth and secure their places in the team.
The Blues will need to find solutions quickly to bounce back from their pre-season struggles and build momentum ahead of the Premier League campaign.
Three Players at Risk Chelsea Boss Frustrated After Defeat to Celtic
