Negatives
1. Enzo Maresca’s Selection of Axel Disasi at Right Back
Mauricio Pochettino often utilized Axel Disasi as a right back during the 2023-24 season whenever Malo Gusto needed rest or was unavailable, largely because of Reece James's recurring injuries. While understandable as a stopgap solution, the move became counterproductive. Despite Chelsea boasting promising right backs from their academy, such as Josh Acheampong and Richard Olise, Disasi continued to feature in the role, even when his performances were subpar.
When Enzo Maresca took over, fans expected an end to such mismanagement. However, Reece James’s recurring injuries once again posed a challenge. With Chelsea competing in the Conference League, Maresca had the opportunity to start an academy player at right back position when Malo Gusto was rested. Despite claiming to have watched all of Chelsea’s matches from the previous season to prepare for his role, Maresca showed no hesitation in starting Axel Disasi at right back, despite clear evidence from the previous season highlighting why he was ill-suited for the position.
For his part, the lower level of competition in the Conference League compared to Chelsea allowed Maresca to justify this decision, particularly given the contract issues surrounding Josh Acheampong. This also provided Disasi with an opportunity to gain playing time, which might have been harder to secure otherwise.
Acheampong resolved his contract issues in early December and showcased impressive performances in Conference League matches. With Malo Gusto’s poor showings against Everton and Fulham, it was clear he needed to be dropped. The straightforward solution would have been to give Acheampong the starting role, especially given Maresca’s previous praise for him. It was a chance to back his words with action. Yet, Maresca chose to return to Axel Disasi once again, despite clear evidence that the outcome would not be any different.
As expected, Disasi had a disastrous performance. Prior to conceding the penalty, he pushed forward to block a ball but failed spectacularly, leaving space for Ipswich to attack down Chelsea’s right side. A low-forward ball led to Delap winning the penalty.
Any competent manager would have replaced Disasi with Acheampong, especially after his poor showing in the first half. However, for some inexplicable reason, Maresca persisted with Disasi and soon he let the team down once again. For the second goal, Disasi inexplicably passed the ball to Delap, despite him being nowhere near a Chelsea player, allowing Delap to set up Omar Hutchinson for Ipswich’s second goal. Maresca waited over 20 minutes before making a substitution. While Disasi deserves criticism, the real blame lies with Maresca, who continuously selected him despite ample evidence showing why he was a poor fit for that role.