Blues boss urged to find internal solution despite injury crisis
Enzo Maresca has been informed that Chelsea will not be signing another centre-back this summer, despite the manager’s public plea for reinforcements following Levi Colwill’s ACL injury.
The Blues kicked off their Premier League campaign with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday, where 17-year-old Josh Acheampong was handed a surprise start in defence. The teenager became Chelsea’s second-youngest opening-day starter in Premier League history, behind only Glen Johnson in 2003-04.
Maresca’s Frustration Grows
Before the match, Maresca made his stance clear, insisting that the club needed to enter the transfer market to replace Colwill, who is expected to miss several months.
“The club knows exactly what I think,” Maresca said. “I think we need a central defender. We are looking for an internal solution, but as I said, the club knows my opinion.”
Despite having ten defenders at his disposal—including new signing Jorrel Hato from Ajax—Maresca argued that few are suited to his tactical demands. Colwill and summer arrival Tosin Adarabioyo were his preferred choices for the crucial central role in build-up play, but with Colwill sidelined and Benoît Badiashile and Wesley Fofana also battling injuries, the Italian believes the squad is stretched too thin.
“When we build, we build with Levi in the middle,” Maresca explained. “Last season, we played all 64 games with either Levi or Tosin there. Now Levi is out, and Tosin is the only one who can do that job properly. The others can adapt, but it’s not the same.”
Chelsea’s Hierarchy Says No
According to Mail Online, Chelsea’s decision-makers have rejected Maresca’s request, effectively telling him to work with the players already at his disposal. The report states that the club’s “chequebook is closed for centre-backs,” leaving the manager to rely on internal options.
With a grueling schedule ahead—including Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cup commitments—Maresca faces a tough challenge balancing his tactical vision with the squad’s limitations. Whether Chelsea’s stance softens before the transfer deadline remains to be seen, but for now, the message is clear: no more signings.
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