Chelsea Fans Furious Over Maresca’s “Unacceptable” Statement After Cup Defeat to Brighton

Chelsea supporters expressed outrage at manager Enzo Maresca’s post-match comments following the team’s disappointing FA Cup exit against Brighton on Saturday. The Blues suffered a 2-1 loss at the Amex Stadium after initially taking the lead.

This early cup elimination comes amid a poor run of form in the Premier League, with Chelsea winning just two of their last eight matches. The team’s billion-pound squad is struggling to maintain their top-four aspirations.

In his post-match interview, Maresca attempted to find a silver lining, suggesting the team could now focus on the Premier League and Conference League. He stated: “Being out of the FA Cup is unfortunate, no doubt. If there’s a positive, we can concentrate on the Premier League and Conference League. Hopefully we can progress there.”

These comments did not sit well with Chelsea fans, who took to social media to express their displeasure. Some even suggested Maresca’s statement was grounds for dismissal.

One supporter tweeted: “I don’t dislike Maresca, but that’s an fireable comment for a Chelsea manager.” Another posted: “Imagine Mourinho, Conte or Tuchel saying something like this.”

Many fans felt the manager’s words reflected a “small club mentality” that was unbecoming of Chelsea’s stature. The suggestion that competing in the Conference League could be seen as a consolation particularly irked supporters.

Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League, just two points ahead of defending champions Manchester City. While they remain favorites in the Conference League, fans expect much higher ambitions from their expensively-assembled squad.

Maresca will need to carefully manage fan expectations going forward, as pressure mounts on the Italian coach to deliver results befitting Chelsea’s status as a top club.