Chelsea suffered a home defeat against Fulham, with João Félix not featuring in the match. The Portuguese forward, who is currently on loan at Chelsea, did not play any minutes in the game. Manager Enzo Maresca made only one substitution, bringing on Christopher Nkunku for Nicolas Jackson.
Maresca’s Substitution Strategy
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, opted for a conservative approach with substitutions during the match. The only change he made was introducing Nkunku, amidst ongoing transfer speculation surrounding the player. This decision comes in the context of Maresca’s recent openness to allowing dissatisfied players to leave the club, as reported earlier.
Recent Developments at Chelsea
Recent reports have highlighted Maresca’s stance on various team dynamics. He has expressed a desire to retain Nkunku despite transfer rumours and has praised Enzo Fernández’s progress. Additionally, Maresca has dismissed Chelsea’s involvement in the title race, focusing instead on player development and team cohesion.
João Félix’s Situation
João Félix, a versatile forward known for his technical skills and creativity, joined Chelsea on loan. His absence from the match against Fulham raises questions about his role in Maresca’s plans, especially given the manager’s recent comments about player satisfaction and potential departures.