the Chelsea News
·29 January 2025
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Yahoo sportsthe Chelsea News
·29 January 2025
Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Chelsea’s current form is a result of Enzo Maresca publicly saying the Blues aren’t in the title race.
Following the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday it means Chelsea are now on a run of one win in their last seven league games.
This form has seen the Blues drop to sixth in the table, although they are still in the race for the Champions League as they sit just a point behind Newcastle and Manchester City
Chelsea made a really strong start under Maresca and at one point in December had the opportunity to go top of the league momentarily if they beat Everton at Goodison Park, but they were held to a goalless draw.
However, Maresca consistently played down Chelsea being in a title race and that draw started a five game winless run, with the Blues having won just once since 15th December.
Chelsea started well against Manchester City, but fell away after taking the lead, which has been a familiar story in their recent games.
Wright wasn’t impressed with Maresca’s title race comments. (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Wright feels Maresca’s public comments about Chelsea not being in the title race are to blame for the Blues drop in form, whilst former Arsenal star Gael Clichy has also been critical.
“He didn’t need to say that. He could have just said it in the dressing room. [Former Arsenal manager] George Graham wouldn’t say anything that made you think, Arsene Wenger as well was very positive,” he told his podcast Wrighty’s House.
“When I heard it, I thought it’s almost like giving the players a get out of jail free card if you start playing badly. I found it strange, it didn’t need to be said.
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“At some stage there was going to be some form of drop-off without him saying that and giving them an excuse. He should have just said it’s brilliant and we’re ahead of schedule and we will see where we are. That’s what you do.”
It’s an unfortunate coincidence that Chelsea’s drop-off coincided with those comments, but Maresca and the players need to find a way to get back to winning with West Ham up next at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.