From World Champions to Cracks: What’s Gone Wrong at Chelsea?

Not long ago, Chelsea were enjoying a high point. They won the Conference League, qualified for the Champions League, and lifted the Club World Cup. Now, however, things look very different, and manager Enzo Maresca is facing growing pressure.

On Saturday, Chelsea lost 3-1 to Brighton at Stamford Bridge. The home fans showed their frustration by booing the team at full-time. It was the second game in a row where a red card hurt them badly. Trevoh Chalobah was sent off in the 53rd minute, and Brighton took full advantage with two late goals in added time from Danny Welbeck and Maxim de Cuyper.

Behind the Scenes Pressure Building

After the defeat, five key figures from Chelsea — co-sporting directors, recruitment chiefs, and even co-owner Behdad Eghbali — went into the dressing room. Maresca said this was nothing out of the ordinary.

“They’ve always come in after games. We have an office inside the changing room where we sit and talk. Nothing new.”

Still, their presence added to the sense that pressure is growing. Chelsea have reportedly told Maresca that his target is to qualify for next season’s Champions League. But with only eight points from six games and two straight league defeats, that target is already looking difficult.

Public Comments Raise Eyebrows

Maresca has not helped his case with some open and frustrated comments. Back in August, he spoke clearly about the need to replace injured defender Levi Colwill. He said he was not satisfied with the club’s alternatives, such as Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, and young defender Josh Acheampong.

“The club knows exactly what I think.”

When asked again about the need for a new centre-back, he responded:

“You like to talk about central defenders? I already spoke. Thank you very much.”

Instead of signing a defender, Chelsea brought in Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho for £40 million. He has only made one appearance so far, coming on as a substitute in the league.

Selection and Injuries Add to the Challenge

Maresca has also questioned the decisions around certain players. He said the club has not informed him whether defender Axel Disasi, who had been training away from the main squad, will return.

“The club didn’t mention anything, so there’s no news.”

In addition to that, Chelsea are dealing with a number of injuries. Four first-choice centre-backs, star forward Cole Palmer, and striker Liam Delap are all currently sidelined.

Marc Guiu, who was recalled from a loan at Sunderland, has not played. Promising academy defender Acheampong has hardly been used either.

A Frustrated Tone

Before Chelsea’s Carabao Cup win over Lincoln, Maresca praised Liverpool’s progress.

“If they keep going like this, I don’t think anyone can catch them. Not just us, but any club. Their signings show they are serious about winning the Premier League and the Champions League.”

But after the Brighton defeat, he changed his tone. This time, he blamed mistakes on the lack of experience in his squad.

A Tough Week Ahead

Chelsea now face a difficult few days. First, they play Benfica in the Champions League during the week. Then they meet defending champions Liverpool in the Premier League next Saturday.

With injuries piling up, inconsistent results, and questions over player decisions, Maresca finds himself under serious pressure. For a club that has been used to winning, the atmosphere has clearly shifted.