“This is the reason…” – Manager explains huge decision to drop £100m playmaker | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca’s press conference today had plenty of interesting answers, especially following a bit of a wobble from his team in recent games.

One thing that has emerged since the last international break is the establishment of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia as the preferred pair in the middle of the pitch for Chelsea. Against Liverpool after the break Enzo Fernandez was rested, and it was only in last week’s Premier League match against Newcastle when he didn’t appear on the teamsheet that was all knew the switch had been made, demoting Enzo to the “B team” which plays in the cups.

So today’s presser was the first one in the league where journalists were able to ask about this pattern now established. Enzo’s answer explained why he prefers the Lavia and Caicedo duo in the middle:

“First of all, it’s a matter of balance. In this moment, Romeo and Moi give us physicality and strength in the middle. This is the reason why we found the option with Malo [Gusto] in the pocket.”

Enzo Fernandez in midfield. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Fans back Maresca’s midfield decision

It’s a difficult call to drop the most expensive transfer in Premier League history, and Maresca waited for a politic time to do it, but now he’s ripped off the plaster and has defended that decision on tactical grounds.

It’s a move the majority of fans are fine with. We all love Enzo’s qualities, but the team just haven’t consistently been able to make the most of him, and there’s no position in this setup that really seems to suit him. Of course Maresca denies that he had a separate A and B team, but the quote above basically admits that Enzo isn’t in his first team as of this moment