Enzo Maresca reveals “important” half time decision which helped Chelsea against Lincoln | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca pointed to a tactical change at half time which he felt made the difference for Chelsea against Lincoln.

The Blues came from behind to grind out a 2-1 win and advance to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, but in reality it was an evening to forget.

Chelsea were booed off at half time after an awful first half performance, but they turned the game on it’s head with two quick fire goals in the first five minutes of the second half from Tyrique George and Facundo Buonanotte.

Enzo Maresca highlights half time tactical change against Lincoln

Chelsea desperately needed to get back to winning ways after a miserable performance against Manchester United, and Maresca named a strong team.

Enzo Fernandez captained the side, whilst Alejandro Garnacho was handed his first Chelsea start, but the Blues were all over the place in the first half.

Lincoln hit the inside of the post in the opening minutes, and were causing Chelsea all sorts of problems in the opening half.

It was a difficult evening for Maresca and Chelsea.

Chelsea were unable to muster a shot on target in the opening period, with many expecting Maresca to make changes at the break.

Maresca admitted he was angry at half time, but he sent the same side out, and Chelsea scored two quick goals, and were able to grind the win out.

Speaking after the game Maresca highlighted a tactical change that he was felt was important and helped the team.

“Second-half, half-time, we changed something tactically that I think has been important,” he told his post-match press conference.

“Jorrel [Hato] was playing in a different position compared to the first-half, I think we were also lucky that we scored immediately after the second-half, but the structure, the shape of the team between first-half and second-half was completely different, and that probably helped a little bit.’

Chelsea stars fail to take their opportunities

Ultimately the most important thing is making the next round, but for a number of Chelsea players they missed an opportunity to stake their claim for more regular first team minutes.

More Stories / Latest News

Enzo Maresca reveals “important” half time decision which helped Chelsea against Lincoln

24th Sep 2025, 06:45am

Lincoln Boss: Not many press Chelsea how we did and it needed 5 mins of quality

24th Sep 2025, 06:30am

Lincoln City website says they dominated World Champions Chelsea last night

24th Sep 2025, 06:04am

Garnacho had a difficult evening and was replaced early in the second half, and was given a rough time by the Lincoln fans.

Jamie Gittens wasn’t particularly impressive, whilst Filip Jorgensen also had a difficult evening between the sticks.