Enzo Maresca fielded a very different attack in Chelsea’s 2-0 loss to Ipswich Town on Monday.
Often this season, Enzo Maresca has gone with a forward line of Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho.
However, against Ipswich, he tried to do something a bit different. The 44-year-old started Palmer, Madueke, Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix.
It lacked a bit of chemistry, and there was one moment where Nkunku was really not happy with Felix. Felix also had reason to be frustrated after Maresca subbed him off before the hour mark.
Christopher Nkunku furious with Joao Felix after teammate ignores pass
Chelsea found themselves behind early in the game, with Liam Delap scoring a 12th-minute penalty.
However, they had the chance to level things up when Felix received the ball on the edge of Ipswich’s box.
The Portuguese could have played it to Nkunku, who was open on the left. Instead, he took a shot, which was easily saved by Christian Walton.
According to football.london, Nkunku was absolutely fuming with Felix afterwards, throwing his arms in the air and shouting at his teammate. It was certainly one of those days for Chelsea.
The Ipswich match was a real opportunity for Nkunku to impress Maresca, but he failed to do so in the end.
Christopher Nkunku more likely to leave Chelsea than Joao Felix
Monday’s defeat was also a chance for Felix to show Maresca what he can do. Like Nkunku, the 25-year-old has barely featured in the Premier League this season.
In total, Felix has made just three starts. Going into the game, it was claimed that Felix is discontent with life at Chelsea at the minute.
Out of him and Nkunku, though, the latter seems more likely to leave Stamford Bridge in the new year. Felix only just arrived at Chelsea, while there appears to be a market for Nkunku.
Barcelona and PSG have been linked with Nkunku, while other sides are also said to be interested in him.
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