Enzo Maresca Reveals Reasons for Tactical Change and Why He Shifted Cole Palmer to the Right in Chelsea’s Defeat to Flamengo

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has shed light on the tactical decisions he made during their tough 3-1 defeat to Flamengo at the Club World Cup — including the reason behind starting Cole Palmer out wide on the right.

Speaking after the loss, Maresca explained that the changes were not random but carefully thought through to give Chelsea better balance on the pitch, especially in possession.

“Cole and Enzo [Fernandez] on the ball were occupying the same positions they did during the season,” the Italian coach said. “Both were in the pocket, but off the ball, Cole was a bit wider.”

Palmer was able to provide width and assist in tracking back when needed by drifting a little closer to the right touchline when Chelsea wasn’t in possession. Palmer, however, retreated into central areas when Chelsea had the ball, a position in which he excelled the previous season.

Maresca revealed that this style was aimed at giving Chelsea more control in midfield while still allowing Palmer to influence play creatively.

Palmer has previously played centrally under Maresca, often operating behind the striker, where he could link up with forwards and midfielders. But the decision to play him wider in this match appears to have been part of his big plan to adapt to Flamengo’s strengths and reduce their space through the middle.

Unfortunately for Chelsea, the tweaks didn’t pay off in the end. The Blues were overrun in the second half as Flamengo scored two quick goals to complete a comeback victory.

Maresca and his players now face a crucial final group match against ES Tunis, where only a positive result will guarantee qualification to the knockout rounds.

Despite the defeat, Maresca remains focused on long-term improvement and hinted that more tactical flexibility could be used as the team evolves during his time in charge.

“We have to learn from these kinds of games,” he added. “We’re building something, and every match helps us understand more about the players and what works.”