Enzo Maresca want to take his first big risk as Chelsea manager this weekend vs Brighton
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A Winning Formula for Chelsea
Enzo Maresca has hit the ground running in his new role as Chelsea’s head coach, marking an impressive debut season in the Premier League. A victory over Brighton this Saturday could cement his place as a top contender for September’s Manager of the Month award, with Chelsea currently enjoying a promising streak of good form.
Maresca’s Injury Management Approach
One of Maresca’s standout strategies so far has been how he manages players recovering from injury. Reece James’ situation highlights this approach. Chelsea is now taking a more cautious route by avoiding rushing players back too soon. Instead, they aim to reintegrate them when they’re fully match-fit, giving them a better chance of long-term involvement without setbacks.
The Right-Back Conundrum
The right-back position has been somewhat problematic for Maresca, with Malo Gusto joining the injury list just before the international break. However, Gusto returned to action midweek during the Carabao Cup clash against Barrow, albeit playing only 45 minutes before being subbed off for Ben Chilwell. Despite that, with Brighton’s speedy and threatening wingers, Maresca may have to take a calculated risk and start Gusto again on Saturday.
Wesley Fofana’s Brief Right-Back Stint
Last weekend saw Wesley Fofana fill in at right-back, where he had a relatively quiet game, managing the opposition well. His performance, though solid, suggests he may not be Maresca’s first choice in the position, especially with Brighton’s potential threats.
Axel Disasi’s Struggles at Right-Back
In contrast, Axel Disasi didn’t fare as well when given the same opportunity against Bournemouth. His performance was below expectations, making it clear that he’s not Maresca’s go-to man for right-back duties at the moment. That said, he did redeem himself somewhat with a composed display against Barrow in midweek, though it’s clear he’s lower in the pecking order for both center-back and right-back roles right now.
Maresca’s Calculated Risk with Gusto
While Maresca has avoided taking many risks during his short tenure at Chelsea so far, this weekend’s match may call for a bold decision. Starting Gusto against Brighton, despite his recent return from injury, could prove crucial in maintaining Chelsea’s momentum.
