“The Biggest Mistake He Made” – Reo-Coker Slams Maresca and Reveals the Biggest Mistake He Made That Is Still Haunting Chelsea
Nigel Reo-Coker believes Chelsea's season began to fall apart after Enzo Maresca claimed they weren’t in the title race, calling it a lack of ambition that upset fans and hurt team confidence.
Former Premier League player Nigel Reo-Coker has shared his thoughts on what he believes is the biggest mistake Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has made this season.
Chelsea started the campaign in great form under Maresca. Before Christmas, the Blues were sitting in second place in the Premier League table and even had a chance to go top temporarily. Fans were excited and hopeful about the title race.
However, things have gone downhill since then. Chelsea now sit in sixth place, far from the form they showed earlier in the season. The team is struggling to score goals, and their playing style—especially trying to pass the ball out from the back—has been criticized by fans and pundits.
While there are several problems at the club, Reo-Coker thinks Maresca’s biggest mistake came when he publicly said that Chelsea weren’t in the title race, even when the team was doing well.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Reo-Coker said:
“Whether you are a manager or not, you have always got to show ambition. The biggest mistake he made was when they were on that great run and he said they weren’t in the title race.”
“From then on, it started to slowly go wrong for them.”
Reo-Coker believes this comment made things worse for Maresca and has affected how fans see him.
“It’s not good for Maresca, and it’s almost like he’s talking himself out of Stamford Bridge because of how fans are reacting now,” he added.
“You have to be ambitious—especially when you’ve spent so much, have talented young players, and are managing a big club like Chelsea. That club is built to win. Top four is expected.”
Maresca made things even more difficult for himself when he blamed Chelsea supporters for Ipswich’s second goal in a recent match. At a time when the team is chasing Champions League football and trying to win the Conference League, many fans feel he should be working to bring them together instead of pointing fingers.
Although Maresca’s job is reportedly safe for now, growing frustration among supporters could create pressure for change if results don’t improve soon.
