Assistant Reveals Manager Was Unwell as Fan Boos Highlight Growing Discontent at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was unable to face the media after his team’s turbulent 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday night, with the club confirming the head coach was feeling unwell.
Assistant manager Willy Caballero conducted post-match duties in his place, revealing Maresca had been battling illness. “He didn’t feel well in the last two days. He had a temperature,” Caballero explained. “After the game, he went to the changing room and asked me to replace him.”
Caballero could not confirm whether he would again be in the dugout for Sunday’s crucial trip to Manchester City, a role he filled earlier this season when Maresca was suspended. “I just wish for the recovery of Enzo,” he said. “I believe in one or two days, he will be okay.”
The draw extended a worrying run for Chelsea, who have now won just one of their last seven Premier League matches. Frustration boiled over at Stamford Bridge when star playmaker Cole Palmer was substituted in the second half, prompting audible boos from sections of the home support.
“Any supporter wants to have their best players on the pitch, and so do we,” Caballero said in response. “But Cole is coming from a long injury… we need to take care of our players.”
The match itself was a chaotic contrast to the goalless reverse fixture earlier this month. Bournemouth stunned Chelsea by taking the lead within six minutes through David Brooks. Chelsea responded with a Cole Palmer penalty and a superb strike from Enzo Fernandez to lead 2-1, but defensive frailties from a long throw allowed Justin Kluivert to equalize, costing Chelsea two vital points.
With a daunting visit to the Etihad Stadium next, Chelsea’s season hangs in the balance, and the pressure is mounting—both on the pitch and, now, in the dugout.
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