“To be honest” – Malo Gusto claims one major factor is behind Chelsea’s dip in form | OneFootball

Malo Gusto has revealed Chelsea’s players were shocked by the departure of Enzo Maresca, and has put their form down to a change of manager.

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Maresca left on New Years Day after 18 months in charge, during which time he won the Conference League and Club World Cup, and got the Blues back into the Champions League.

The Italian was replaced by Liam Rosenior, who signed a six and a half year contract at Stamford Bridge, although there’s understood to be a break clause.

Malo Gusto opens up on Enzo Maresca departure

Maresca was clearly a popular figure among the squad, and had delivered the most successful season under the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership.

His departure didn’t come as a complete surprise given the growing tensions, but things escalated very quickly at the end.

Enzo Fernandez revealed he couldn’t understand why Maresca left, and now Gusto has admitted the departure shocked the players.

“It was a bit complicated for us in the middle of the season when Enzo Maresca was sacked,” he told ESPN.

“So a new coach coming in now, it was a big change I think for the team, everyone was surprised to be honest.

“But in football that can happen, so we had to adapt.

“That is what we tried to do, before the international break it was a tough few weeks for us in terms of results because that is not what we expected.

“Against PSG, there were a few games in the Premier League against Newcastle and Everton as well that we lost.”

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Malo Gusto defends Liam Rosenior

Chelsea are on a poor run of form, and Rosenior has come under heavy criticism, with questions already being asked about his future.

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However, Gusto has defended Rosenior and stated he can’t understand why he’s received so much criticism, but after the international break he’ll have to pick up better results.

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