{"id":11178,"date":"2025-10-22T08:57:24","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T08:57:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/"},"modified":"2025-10-22T08:57:24","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T08:57:24","slug":"chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea news: Maresca and James at odds as two players come to the rescue | Soccer | Sports"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n

\"Enzo<\/p>\n

Despite Chelsea’s recent form, Enzo Maresca has many problems to solve. (Image: Getty Images)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

\n

Chelsea are finally gaining momentum after recording three consecutive wins in all competitions last weekend. After a shaky and inconsistent start to the season, Enzo Maresca’s side finally seem to have found some rhythm and stability. Goals from Josh Achiampong, Pedro Neto and Reece James secured a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday. As a result, Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at the City Ground ultimately came to an end.<\/p>\n

This success followed a thrilling 2-1 win over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge before the international break, with Brazilian prodigy Estevao coming on as a substitute and scoring the winning goal in the 96th minute. The Blues next face a tough Champions League test against Ajax on Wednesday night. Chelsea, who lost 3-1 away to Bayern Munich and narrowly won 1-0 at home to Benfica, need a convincing performance to properly start their European tour. However, given the increasing number of injuries and discipline issues, that may be easier said than done. With that in mind, we bring you the latest developments at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Maresca and James disagree over discipline<\/h3>\n

Chelsea’s disciplinary problems have been a major concern recently. The club have already collected 17 yellow cards and five red cards this season and are currently bottom of the Premier League’s fair play rankings.<\/p>\n

The removal of two of them proved costly. Manchester United and Brighton made the most of Chelsea’s depleted lineup last month with back-to-back wins. Even Maresca was not exempt, receiving two yellows against Liverpool and a one-match ban for touching the touchline.<\/p>\n

The only game Chelsea have avoided sending off in recent weeks was the Carabao Cup win over Lincoln, while the only game not booked this season was against Liverpool. Maresca subsequently admitted that the team’s discipline needs to improve to maintain their momentum.<\/p>\n

“For sure, it’s something we can improve on more,” the Italian said on Tuesday. “Some red cards could be avoided.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\"Reece<\/p>\n

Chelsea have racked up yellow and red cards recently. (Image: Getty)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

\n

His words were in sharp contrast to comments made by Chelsea captain Reece James after Maro Gusto was given a second caution in Saturday’s game against East Midlands. Mr. James acknowledged that layoffs have been occurring, but downplayed the seriousness of the problem.<\/p>\n

“It’s difficult. If you look at them all, they’re all completely different red cards,” he said. “They’re not straight reds, they’re double bookings. I was next to him (Gusto) when I saw him go for the tackle and it was a split second. He was there to win the ball and he just mistimed it.”<\/p>\n

“I’m not saying this is a problem for us. We have to accept it. This is what happened in the last few games, but it’s not something that will continue.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\"Reece<\/p>\n

Reece James and Enzo Maresca have a good relationship despite having different views on discipline (Image: Getty)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

\n

2 players come to help<\/h3>\n

Maresca confirmed that Enzo Fernandes and Liam Delap are close to returning. Fernandes missed the international game with a knee problem and missed the game against Forest, but could feature on Wednesday. But Maresca made it clear there are no shortcuts to recovery.<\/p>\n

“We have another session this afternoon and we will decide with him tomorrow,” Maresca said. “That’s not something we need to worry about. We’re just trying to protect Enzo.”<\/p>\n

The Italian also said that Delap is “very close” to returning to full training but is unlikely to be ready for a match until next month. “Liam is very close. He hasn’t worked with us yet. He’s still on the road,” he said. \u201cWe hope he can start training with us in the next few days.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\"Liam<\/p>\n

Liam Delap and Enzo Fernandes near return (Image: Getty Images)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

\n

Delap suffered a hamstring injury in Chelsea’s win over Fulham in August and missed most of the season. The setback nearly ruined Nicholas Jackson’s loan move to Bayern Munich and forced Chelsea to recall Marc Giu from his time at Sunderland.<\/p>\n

Giu could make his first start of the season against Ajax, but Delap remains absent after receiving a red card against Benfica and Joao Pedro is suspended. However, Maresca refused to reveal who would lead the back line, occasionally using Tyrik George as a number nine.<\/p>\n

“We have him (Marc) and we also have Tirik, who played in the past as a nine,” Maresca said. “He did well. I think he played as number nine against Benfica. We have other options. We have another session this afternoon and then we will decide.”<\/p>\n

Chelsea chase the pass<\/h3>\n

Chelsea are said to be monitoring Como midfielder Nico Paz as he develops under Blues legend Cesc Fabregas. The 21-year-old joined the Italian team from Real Madrid last year and has quickly developed into one of Serie A’s standout playmakers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\"Cesc<\/p>\n

Nico Paz is enjoying himself at Como under Cesc Fabregas (Image: Getty Images)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

\n

Pass is off to a great start this season with four goals and four assists in seven games. His form has made him the league’s top assist maker and second-leading scorer behind Riccardo Orsolini.<\/p>\n

According to Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea are among the elite clubs scouting Argentine players, along with Arsenal, Inter Milan and Juventus. However, Real Madrid have a \u00a37 million buy-back clause and can be the first to refuse if they decide to bring the player back.<\/p>\n

Fabregas, who played 198 games and won two Premier League titles with Chelsea, is beaming with praise. “Nico is a champion,” said the Spaniard. “I’m very calm about him and his future. If he continues to have this hunger and humility, he’ll get to wherever he wants to be. The talent and the physicality are there.”<\/p>\n

Chelsea were looking for a creative midfielder during the summer, having been heavily linked with both Xavi Simmons and Fermin Lopez, but neither deal materialized. The Blues are still lacking spark in central areas due to Cole Palmer’s continued fitness issues, and there is a good chance that Pas will be on the transfer list in January.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n


\n
Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Despite Chelsea’s recent form, Enzo Maresca has many problems to solve. (Image: Getty Images) Chelsea are finally gaining momentum after recording three consecutive wins in all competitions last weekend. After a shaky and inconsistent start to the season, Enzo Maresca’s side finally seem to have found some rhythm and stability. Goals from Josh Achiampong, Pedro<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11179,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-11178","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-matches"},"yoast_head":"\nChelsea news: Maresca and James at odds as two players come to the rescue | Soccer | Sports - EPL VIP \u2013 Latest English Premier League News & Updates<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Chelsea news: Maresca and James at odds as two players come to the rescue | Soccer | Sports - EPL VIP \u2013 Latest English Premier League News & Updates\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Despite Chelsea’s recent form, Enzo Maresca has many problems to solve. (Image: Getty Images) Chelsea are finally gaining momentum after recording three consecutive wins in all competitions last weekend. After a shaky and inconsistent start to the season, Enzo Maresca’s side finally seem to have found some rhythm and stability. Goals from Josh Achiampong, Pedro\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"EPL VIP \u2013 Latest English Premier League News & Updates\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-10-22T08:57:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/6503925.jpg?r=1761059275046\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"admin_ok9yktt6\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"admin_ok9yktt6\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/\",\"name\":\"Chelsea news: Maresca and James at odds as two players come to the rescue | Soccer | Sports - EPL VIP \u2013 Latest English Premier League News & Updates\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/6503946.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-10-22T08:57:24+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/#\/schema\/person\/6b2ade58a96ab056f743f12490573ae9\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/6503946.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/6503946.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":630},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Chelsea news: Maresca and James at odds as two players come to the rescue | Soccer | Sports\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/\",\"name\":\"EPL VIP \u2013 Latest English Premier League News & Updates\",\"description\":\"EPL VIP is your ultimate source for all things related to the English Premier League. Get the latest EPL news, live match updates, transfer rumors, team analysis, fixtures, and exclusive insights for true football fans.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/#\/schema\/person\/6b2ade58a96ab056f743f12490573ae9\",\"name\":\"admin_ok9yktt6\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3caa6e0fae133a2d8ebe213abde6eafe85769664d063c8ab6c7960c877d904ea?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3caa6e0fae133a2d8ebe213abde6eafe85769664d063c8ab6c7960c877d904ea?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"admin_ok9yktt6\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/author\/admin_ok9yktt6\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Chelsea news: Maresca and James at odds as two players come to the rescue | Soccer | Sports - EPL VIP \u2013 Latest English Premier League News & Updates","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Chelsea news: Maresca and James at odds as two players come to the rescue | Soccer | Sports - EPL VIP \u2013 Latest English Premier League News & Updates","og_description":"Despite Chelsea’s recent form, Enzo Maresca has many problems to solve. (Image: Getty Images) Chelsea are finally gaining momentum after recording three consecutive wins in all competitions last weekend. After a shaky and inconsistent start to the season, Enzo Maresca’s side finally seem to have found some rhythm and stability. Goals from Josh Achiampong, Pedro","og_url":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/","og_site_name":"EPL VIP \u2013 Latest English Premier League News & Updates","article_published_time":"2025-10-22T08:57:24+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/6503925.jpg?r=1761059275046","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"author":"admin_ok9yktt6","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"admin_ok9yktt6","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/","url":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/","name":"Chelsea news: Maresca and James at odds as two players come to the rescue | Soccer | Sports - EPL VIP \u2013 Latest English Premier League News & Updates","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/6503946.jpg","datePublished":"2025-10-22T08:57:24+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/#\/schema\/person\/6b2ade58a96ab056f743f12490573ae9"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/6503946.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/6503946.jpg","width":1200,"height":630},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/22\/chelsea-news-maresca-and-james-at-odds-as-two-players-come-to-the-rescue-soccer-sports\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Chelsea news: Maresca and James at odds as two players come to the rescue | Soccer | Sports"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/","name":"EPL VIP \u2013 Latest English Premier League News & Updates","description":"EPL VIP is your ultimate source for all things related to the English Premier League. Get the latest EPL news, live match updates, transfer rumors, team analysis, fixtures, and exclusive insights for true football fans.","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/#\/schema\/person\/6b2ade58a96ab056f743f12490573ae9","name":"admin_ok9yktt6","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3caa6e0fae133a2d8ebe213abde6eafe85769664d063c8ab6c7960c877d904ea?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3caa6e0fae133a2d8ebe213abde6eafe85769664d063c8ab6c7960c877d904ea?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"admin_ok9yktt6"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/eplvip.com"],"url":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/author\/admin_ok9yktt6\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11178","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11178"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11178\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11179"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11178"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11178"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}