Enzo Maresca on Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella substitutions – and defeat to Aston Villa | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca says Marc Cucurella came off with a hamstring problem in the defeat to Aston Villa.

Cucurella was taken off in the 69th minute of the defeat and the Blues boss says it was because of a hamstring issue.

“Because he was complaining about hamstring, so we don’t know if it’s an injury now or not,” Maresca said when asked about his substitution. “So he asked for the change.”

Cole Palmer was also taken off in the second half and appeared frustrated with the decision, but Maresca says he has no problem with his reaction.

“No, no,” he responded when asked if he had an issue with Palmer’s response.

“He was working very good. He was on the ball and off the ball, pressing, he was very good. We have another game now in 48 hours, so he was good and we are happy that he’s back.”

Ollie Watkins scored twice in the second half to hand Chelsea defeat following Joao Pedro’s opener, and Maresca was left frustrated at his side’s inability to add to their lead.

“I think the goal we conceded was the turning point,” he said.

“Until the goal we conceded, that is around one hour, we were completely in control of the game. Again, it’s something that it is not the first time that happened.

“And when we concede a goal, even if we are winning and we concede a goal, we struggle a little bit with the management of the game. And it’s something that for sure we need to improve.

“I think the goal we conceded for sure changed the dynamic of the game. I don’t know if it’s the three changes, but for sure, until the goal we conceded, we were in control.

“I think by the time we conceded the first goal, we should have scored two or three goals. And then after the goal we conceded, the game completely changed.

“For sure, we have to be clinical because, again, as I said, by the time they scored the goal, I think we should have scored two or three goals and the game is different. But also, it’s probably how we can improve after we concede a goal to manage the game a little bit better, probably, in terms of game after game experience, these kind of things.”