Chelsea are going to be without Enzo Maresca on the touchline when they take on Aston Villa in the first game after Christmas.
Maresca has now racked up three yellow cards this season after he was booked during the 2-2 draw against Newcastle. The Blues are set to be charged by the FA for their conduct during that game.
The Italian has already been absent for a game this season following his red card against Liverpool, sustained during the celebrations for Estevao Willian’s last-minute winner.
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This game was against Nottingham Forest after an international break, where Willy Caballero led the Blues to a 3-0 victory at the City Ground.
FBL-ENG-PR-NOTTINGHAM FOREST-CHELSEA
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Willy Caballero has perfect record when managing Chelsea
The game was notable for it being where Josh Acheampong scored his first goal for the first team, and being the last game of Ange Postecoglou’s short tenure there.
Caballero only has two games where he has been completely in charge. He was also responsible when the Blues took on Everton towards the end of last season.
With every game being crucial to Chelsea’s hopes of finishing in the Champions League places, they achieved a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a Nicolas Jackson strike.
It would end up being the Senegal star’s last Premier League goal for Chelsea. He would score two more in the Conference League before being loaned out to Bayern Munich.
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Maresca fully committed to Chelsea
Maresca stated both before and after the draw against Newcastle that he was completely committed to the Chelsea job, despite reports that he is in the frame for the upcoming Manchester City vacancy.
Maresca ‘absolutely’ committed to Chelsea 👀
Enzo maresca quote
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What’s more likely?
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Maresca decides to leave
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The news that City are keen on him comes as the boss has publicly outed his discontent with those above him for not providing the necessary backing during a tough moment.
It has been reported that some chiefs at Chelsea are ‘fed up’ of Maresca’s in-game management, and some of his tactics not getting the best out of some players.
While the Blues will be without him for the next game, they should look to appease the situation with the Italian in order to persuade him Stamford Bridge is the best place to be.
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