Chelsea are taking on Newcastle this afternoon, and before kick off TNT Sport discussed the Blues’ situation after Enzo Maresca’s explosive comments a week ago.
The coach spoke out against those above him at the club, and ended up getting support from the fans for it.
Joe Cole had an interesting opinion on the relationship between fans and coach and where it might go next.
Sporting director conflict brings fans close to Maresca
Enzo Maresca looks concerned on the touchline.
Enzo Maresca looks concerned on the touchline. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
“I think the Chelsea fans, the expectations are high because of the success of the club in the last 25 years,” Cole said.
“And sometimes the team on the pitch isn’t capable. I think they’re looking at this team now and thinking ‘we’re so close, we’re so close. Can we just add two or three players in the next window, experienced players? We could be there competing’. I think Enzo’s said that – the crowd have said we like that.”
Peter Crouch spoke more generally about whether picking fights with the people above him would work out:
“I don’t think that ever ends well, if you call out the board,” the former Liverpool striker said.
“He’s done it in a cryptic way, that lets people know without really going in on them… they’ll have to work things out, he’s obviously a top manager, and he’s been around the English game for a long, long time.”
You can see their extended chat in the clip embedded here:
“He’s built a side that isn’t far away from the Premier League title” 🏆
Joe Cole and Peter Crouch on Enzo Maresca’s recent comments and links to Man City.@lynseyhipgrave1 | @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/q0aK4L49Zh
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 20, 2025
In other news…
The big news from today’s teams is Enzo Fernandez being dropped by Enzo Maresca. The Argentine looks knackered and could do with a break, but it’s still a big call from the coach.
The rest of Chelsea’s team news for the game is available here, and you can see what shape Maresca did go for in the end.
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Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana chase down Marshall Munetsi in Chelsea's win over Wolves.
Enzo Maresca celebrates at full time.
Scott Minto on Sky Sports.