Enzo Maresca has come under fire from Ian Wright for using Moises Caicedo at right back in recent games, calling it “unacceptable.”
With two league games and the Conference League final left in Maresca’s first season, Chelsea has a lot on the line.
Even after suffering a crushing loss to Newcastle at St. James’ Park, the Blues are still in fifth and last place in the Champions League, and they know that victories over Manchester United and Nottingham Forest will guarantee their return to the Premier Club tournament in Europe.
Despite Joe Cole’s warning to the Blues not to fire the Italian, these are crucial weeks that could determine Maresca’s future.
For the third consecutive game, Maresca started the same lineup against the Magpies, but the Blues paid a heavy price for a terrible first half showing.
For the third consecutive game, Caicedo started at right back, but Chelsea’s performance improved after halftime, and the Ecuadorian returned to midfield after Reece James entered the game.
Wright blasted the Chelsea manager for his team selection, expressing dissatisfaction with Maresca’s choice to play the 23-year-old there.
He told The Kelly and Wrighty Show, “You’re going to attack him all the time when you look at who he’s got on the bench and why he’s doing that (playing Caicedo at right-back).”
“You need to take charge of the game, regardless of what he says about moving into midfield and controlling it.
“It all depends on the manager.” I have no idea what’s going on, unless it has to do with Reece James and Malo Gusto.
“That is unacceptable in my opinion; he is making extremely concerning decisions, particularly in that specific incident.”
Caicedo dominated the recent end-of-season club awards, and the midfielder has started all 36 of Chelsea’s Premier League games, demonstrating his value to the team.
Chelsea has made it plain that Caicedo is not for sale, despite the fact that he has become a surprise target for Saudi team Al Nassr.
He has been Chelsea’s greatest player this season and possibly the best midfielder in the Premier League, according to Maresca, who called him one of the best midfielders in the world.
It’s frightening to consider how excellent Caicedo could be next season after a lackluster start the previous one. He is proving why Chelsea spent a British record.