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Chelsea fans left furious about what Enzo Maresca has now said, there is ‘no need for’ it whatsoever
Enzo Maresca has largely conducted himself well since arriving at Chelsea in June 2024.
Chelsea fans even chanted the Italian’s name in December 2024 during a 5-1 win over Southampton, as they immediately took to his style of play.
The 45-year-old ultimately led Chelsea back into the UEFA Champions League at the first time of asking, and has continued to make strong progress by guiding the Blues to the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup.
However, during his press conference ahead of Tuesday’s clash against Fluminense, Enzo Maresca said something to upset Chelsea fans.
Chelsea fans unhappy after hearing what Enzo Maresca said about Andrey Santos
Andrey Santos was handed a start last time out in the 2-1 win over Palmeiras, as Moises Caicedo found himself suspended for the quarter-final clash.
Reviewing the Brazil international’s performance, Maresca quite innocently told : “We used Andrey Santos in that position – we are quite happy (with him) but more happy when Moi (Caicedo) is in the team.”
The Ecuador international is a £115m midfielder and regarded as one of the best on the planet in his position, so it is only natural that the Chelsea boss prefers him to be available, but fans have taken these comments as a dig at Santos nonetheless.
One Chelsea supporter wrote: “There is no need for that last comment, he did a good job playing the Caicedo role.”
Another echoed that sentiment, posting: “Such a stupid last comment. Not needed at all.”
In fairness to Maresca, even Santos – who Bayern Munich admire – will arguably know the team operates best when Caicedo is present in the engine room, so we doubt the Brazilian would have taken any offence.
Another Chelsea fan called the remark from Maresca “insane” and questioned why the man born in Pontecagnano Faiano would say such a thing.
Furthermore, others called the comment “a bit condescending” and “harsh” – hopefully, Santos did not take the remark as badly as these Chelsea fans have.
How Andrey Santos performed when deputising for Moises Caicedo
Caicedo is incredibly industrial – no player has made more tackles (305) than the South American across the last three Premier League seasons – while he is also a crisp passer of the ball.
It may only be a small sample size, with just this one match against Palmeiras to work off, but Santos – who Liverpool looked at – proved he could quite competently deputise for the Chelsea No.25 next season, if not play alongside him.
SofaScore shows that the 21-year-old completed 90% of his attempted 40 passes, and also impressively won six out of the ten ground duels he was involved in.
Despite standing at just 5 ft 11 in, Santos also managed to win all three of his aerial duels.
It was a tidy display from the Brazilian, who looks set to have a bright future at Stamford Bridge on the evidence of this performance at least.