EPL: Maresca slams Chelsea players after 2-1 defeat to Fulham

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has criticised his players for letting the game slip away in their clash against Fulham on Thursday.

The Blues were beaten at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.

For much of the game, Chelsea led thanks to Cole Palmer’s sublime finish.

However, Fulham scored twice in the second half to secure all three points.

“To concede the goal we conceded at the end, it is a bad feeling,” Maresca said.

“I’ve said many times: when you can’t win, it’s important you don’t lose. The first 15 minutes of the second half were the moments I didn’t like—we conceded so many transitions. We know they are a team that thrives on transitions.

“In the first half, we controlled that very well, but in the second half, we gave them too much energy. It’s difficult to find a team with so many players who can run so much. Before you attack, you have to make passes and stay organised. That way, we’re together.

“It’s a lesson we can learn. If they attack quickly and we attack quickly, it turns into a basketball game.”

EPL: Maresca slams Chelsea players after 2-1 defeat to Fulham