“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” – Didier Drogba Blames Coach as Blues Collapse Again

This Chelsea season has been a turbulent ride, filled with flashes of promise overshadowed by moments of deep frustration. From poor results to tactical confusion, the Blues seem stuck in a vicious cycle — and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba believes it’s time to question the man at the helm: Enzo Maresca.

The most recent blow came in a disappointing performance where Chelsea looked strong for the opening 20 minutes but capitulated shortly after, conceding two first-half goals against a less-fancied opponent. The match started with intensity and control, yet as has become a frustrating trend, defensive frailties resurfaced once again.

Drogba, who spent his prime carrying Chelsea on his back, did not hold back in his assessment. “I’m starting to believe that Enzo Maresca is the root cause of Chelsea’s problems,” he declared. “He made so many tactical errors today especially in the defense.”

The first goal highlighted a fundamental flaw in Maresca’s tactics. Marc Cucurella, deployed in an unusual hybrid midfield role, lost possession in a dangerous area. His failure to recover in time left Chelsea’s left side wide open. Before he could respond, Ipswich capitalized, pushing forward with intent.

By the time Cucurella tracked back to close the space, Ipswich had already executed their attack. A simple ball was swung into the box. No commanding presence was there to deal with it. Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez stood still as Julio Enciso darted between Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo to tap home a soft goal.

It was a moment that infuriated Chelsea fans. Not only because of the ease with which the opposition scored, but because it looked like the players themselves didn’t understand their responsibilities. For Drogba, this was a direct reflection of the manager’s choices. He believes Maresca’s approach — particularly the use of fullbacks in inverted roles — is backfiring.

“I understand the idea of innovation,” Drogba continued, “but this team doesn’t look comfortable. There is no balance. The midfield is disconnected from the defence, and it keeps costing them.”

The second goal came not long after, and it was déjà vu all over again. Another poorly defended sequence, another positioning error, and another clinical finish from Ipswich. Maresca’s decision to rotate his backline yet again left the unit disjointed, with little communication or chemistry.

Chelsea’s constant experimentation under Maresca has made it almost impossible to form a settled back four. Between Colwill, Disasi, Badiashile, Chalobah, and Adarabioyo — not to mention fullbacks like Cucurella, Gusto, and Chilwell — there’s been no consistency in selection or structure.

Drogba pointed out two glaring errors from Maresca that led to the goals: deploying Cucurella in an inverted midfield role and pairing Colwill with Adarabioyo, a partnership that had no time to gel. “You can’t build a strong defence when you’re changing your backline every other game,” he stated.

These tactical blunders aren’t just costing Chelsea results; they’re draining confidence. The players look unsure of their roles, and that uncertainty is spreading through the squad like wildfire. While the midfield often looks promising in flashes, the failure to build from the back leaves them exposed.

Even Chelsea’s attacking threat suffers as a result. When the team is constantly chasing the game due to defensive lapses, it disrupts the rhythm of the forwards. Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling, and Cole Palmer find themselves burdened with the task of bailing the team out.

Chelsea fans are beginning to grow restless. There was hope that Maresca, known for his tactical ideas and structured philosophy, could bring clarity to a squad full of young talent. But so far, his decisions have brought more questions than answers.

Drogba’s words carry weight. As one of the most respected figures in the club’s history, his criticism is not made lightly. “I love this club too much to stay silent,” he concluded. “We need leadership and clarity. Right now, I don’t see it.”

Chelsea’s board must now decide how patient they’re willing to be with Maresca. The season is slipping away, and with every passing week, the pressure grows. While the coach still has time to turn things around, it’s becoming increasingly clear that changes must be made — either in tactics or personnel — to avoid another wasted campaign.

This isn’t just about one game. It’s about a recurring theme that has haunted Chelsea all season. Disjointed tactics, confused players, and soft goals. And unless Maresca learns from these mistakes, he may not be given many more chances to fix them.

For now, Chelsea remain in mid-table — inconsistent, unpredictable, and frustrating to watch. But the most concerning part? A club once feared for its resilience now crumbles far too easily. And if Drogba is right, the cracks begin at the top.