I’m starting to believe that Enzo Maresca is the root cause of Chelsea’s problems. He made so many tactical errors today especially in the defense” – This is according to Didier Drogba as he points out two choices made by Enzo Maresca that played a major role in Chelsea’s poor defensive display that leads to two goals being conceded in only the first half.

“I’m Starting to Believe Enzo Maresca is the Root Cause of Chelsea’s Problems” – Drogba Slams Blues Boss for Defensive Disaster as Tactical Errors Lead to Shocking First-Half Collapse

Chelsea’s new era under Enzo Maresca is already showing cracks — and club legend Didier Drogba is not holding back. In a passionate post-match reaction, the Ivorian icon tore into the tactical decisions made by Maresca following Chelsea’s latest disappointing performance, in which they conceded two goals within the first 45 minutes.

“I’m starting to believe that Enzo Maresca is the root cause of Chelsea’s problems. He made so many tactical errors today, especially in the defense,” Drogba stated during his appearance on a popular football broadcast. His words cut deep into the current crisis brewing at Stamford Bridge, and fans are beginning to echo his concerns.

Drogba, who famously led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2012, singled out two specific choices made by Maresca that contributed heavily to the team’s defensive collapse in the first half.

A Risky Formation That Backfired

The first was Maresca’s decision to stick with his high-risk inverted fullback system, a tactical setup borrowed from his time at Leicester City. Instead of playing traditional fullbacks, Maresca instructed his wide defenders to tuck into midfield when in possession — a move that left Chelsea’s flanks terrifyingly exposed.

This choice was ruthlessly punished as the opposition exploited the wide spaces with speed and precision. The first goal came after a simple switch of play, pulling Chelsea’s out-of-position defenders across the pitch like puppets on strings. With no natural cover on the left, the winger surged into the box and finished calmly.

“That’s coaching negligence,” Drogba said bluntly. “You can’t ask young fullbacks to play like seasoned midfielders without giving them the experience or protection they need. This is the Premier League — you get punished.”

Defensive Pairing Sparks Confusion

The second choice Drogba criticized was Maresca’s shock decision to pair Axel Disasi with Benoît Badiashile at centre-back, leaving out the more in-form and vocal Thiago Silva. The decision raised eyebrows even before kickoff — and by halftime, it had already proven costly.

Both defenders looked lost in terms of positioning and communication, allowing the opposing striker to slip through the middle unmarked for the second goal.

“Leadership at the back is everything,” Drogba noted. “You can’t just rely on raw talent. You need a general who organizes the line, shouts instructions, and sets the tone. Thiago Silva may be older, but his experience is priceless. That was a huge mistake.”

Fans Growing Restless

The loss — Chelsea’s second in three matches — has reignited the anxiety among fans who expected a fresh start under Maresca. Instead, the team looks confused, disjointed, and far from ready to challenge for European places, let alone silverware.

Social media erupted after the match, with the hashtag #MarescaOut beginning to trend on X (formerly Twitter). Many fans are questioning whether Maresca’s ideas, while modern, are simply too idealistic for a squad still trying to rediscover its identity after a turbulent few seasons.

Drogba’s Warning to the Board

Drogba, a man whose voice still carries massive weight around Stamford Bridge, concluded his remarks with a subtle warning: “If the board believes in Maresca, they need to step in and help him adapt — fast. But if this continues, Chelsea could be in for another long, painful season. It’s time to wake up.”

With pressure mounting and tougher fixtures looming, Enzo Maresca now faces a pivotal test. Can he learn from his mistakes and stabilize a leaky defense? Or will he become yet another manager who couldn’t survive the relentless expectations of the Chelsea hot seat?

One thing is certain: when Didier Drogba speaks, Chelsea would do well to listen.