“Like Kids!” – Chelsea star slams side over cup performance vs Lincoln City | OneFootball

Gusto admits Chelsea looked like kids in Carabao Cup clash

Chelsea staggered into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a laboured 2-1 win over Lincoln, a result that should have restored confidence but instead left questions about mentality and maturity. At the heart of the post-match discussion was Malo Gusto, the French full-back who scored his first goal for the club yet did not hide behind celebration. His words cut through the victory, labelling the team’s first-half display as childish.

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“It was a lot of set pieces, long throws,” Gusto explained of Lincoln’s approach. “It was a bit complicated for us to get into the game in the first few minutes. We knew they were going to play like this. It was their qualities, so they played with that. We were aware before of that. It was the game. The game was about duels, fighting. That’s why we tried to do more in the second half to show our desire to win, and that’s what we did.”

Gusto’s brutal honesty

When asked about Enzo Maresca’s half-time team talk, Gusto did not hesitate. “Of course. In the first half we played like kids. They bullied us in every part of the pitch. It was really bad for us. The second half was important to come back with more desire, more confidence.”

There was no attempt to sugar-coat what had been a dire 45 minutes. Lincoln exposed Chelsea’s fragility under pressure and their lack of physical presence in key moments. The Premier League club may have turned it around with goals from Tyrique George and Facundo Buonanotte, but the admission from one of their experienced players spoke volumes about where the team still fall short.

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Chelsea’s wider ambitions

The Carabao Cup has become a potential path for redemption. Nine top-flight clubs have already been eliminated, and Chelsea now see a clearer route towards Wembley. “As a Chelsea player, we have to show that we deserve to play for this club. We have to show to the fans that we always want to win trophies. That’s our objective. We’re going to do our best to make it,” Gusto declared.

Asked directly if the competition could be won, his response was unflinching. “We are on the way to win this trophy. We want to win it, for sure. We know that last season was good for us in terms of trophies, but we want more for this season. Of course, we are going to do our best. Today was important to win, to get back in a good way, and in this competition to try our best to go as far as possible.”

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From Lincoln to Brighton

The test now is to carry that fragile momentum into the league. Brighton arrive at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and Gusto was clear about the expectation. “That’s our objective. They are a good team too, but we know that we can compete and we can win every one, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

Chelsea have survived one scare, but the honesty of Gusto’s assessment may yet define how seriously they confront the challenges to come.