“I love Wilfred Ndidi” - Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca responds when asked if Leicester star deserved red card for challenge on Cole Palmer
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has responded to questions regarding the controversial tackle from Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi on Cole Palmer. Both sides faced off at the King Power Stadium earlier today (November 23), where the Blues won the Premier League clash 2-1.
While it was a good win for the west London side, they did not look happy after a rather heavy tackle from Ndidi put Palmer on the turf. The Nigerian midfielder got his studs on the Chelsea playmaker's Achilles heel, which led to expectations that referee Andy Madley would show the red card.
The referee showed yellow instead, and although the decision went to VAR, it was determined to be a yellow card offense. When asked about the controversy around the decision after the game, Blues boss Enzo Maresca said (via Football.London):
“I don't think the target is Cole. I said after the Man United game, when there is bad intention, it has to be a different punishment from the referee. I'm not saying Wilf had a bad intention because I love Wilf. It's not just our players. For me, it's general. Whenever there is bad intention, the punishment has to be different."
When asked if Wilfred Ndidi deserved a red card for the reckless tackle, Maresca added:
“I don't think so, to be honest.”
It is worth noting that Maresca was Leicester City's former manager who helped them return to the Premier League last season. His impressive leadership at King's Power Stadium led to a Chelsea move in the summer after the Blues sacked manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca praises Enzo Fernandez's performance against Leicester
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was full of praise for Enzo Fernandez following his performance against Leicester City. The Argentine midfielder scored the second goal of the game for the Blues with a quick reaction to get on a rebound with his head.
After the game, Maresca said (via Football.London):
"Enzo did very well today. He is doing well since we started. It depends on the game-plan, we use different type of players. I think he did very well. I'm trying to convince Enzo in the way I did last year with Ndidi and Kiernan that attacking midfielders have to come into the box and today he did."
Enzo Fernandez was brilliant in the midfield for Chelsea today. He moved into the final third consistently and was rewarded with a goal and an assist. He was also important to the Blues' midfield battle, winning seven duels.