“Deserves better”, “What is wrong with Maresca?” - Chelsea fans furious with attacker not being part of starting line-up to face Everton

Chelsea fans are unhappy to see Estevao Willian named among the substitutes for their Premier League clash against Everton. The two sides are set to face off at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, December 13.

Manager Enzo Maresca made four changes to his starting lineup that lost 2-1 to Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. Wesley Fofana and Malo Gusto return to the defense, with Benoit Badiashile and Josh Archeampong dropping to the bench.

Enzo Fernandes came in for Moises Caicedo, who is serving a three-game suspension following his red card against Arsenal, while Alejandro Garnacho is deployed on the left wing in place of Jamie Gittens.

Since starring in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Barcelona, Estevao has seen his playing time reduced. The young Brazilian played just 45 minutes in the subsequent two games and was an unused substitute in the Atalanta clash. Maresca’s decision to name the 18-year-old on the bench didn't sit well with fans, who took to X to berate the Italian for his tactical choices.

One wrote:

“3rd game in a row, sigh. Estevao deserves better tbf.”

Miracle

@ManuelxNFT

@ChelseaFC 3rd game in a row, sigh. Estevao deserves better tbf

Another tweeted:

“Estêvão again bench 😭😭”

🅱️Ⓜ️8️⃣✨

@lengisaan

@ChelseaFC Estêvão again bench 😭😭

“No Estevao in the starting 11 again,” another echoed the same sentiments.

Spob

@Spob6767

@ChelseaFC No estevao in the starting 11 again

A fourth queried:

“What’s Maresca’s problem with Estevao??”

Dera II

@Neutral_OC

@ChelseaFC What’s Maresca’s problem with Estevao??

“Why’s Estevao not starting? Maresca wants another lose or something?” another chimed in.

WALLPAPER ADDICT

@rkayking2345

@ChelseaFC Why’s Estevao not starting ? Maresca wants another lose or something?

CFC

@CFCAlert

@ChelseaFC Estevao benched again?

Debbie 💙

@DebsSZN

@ChelseaFC Estevão is benched again??? What is wrong with Maresca?????

What Enzo Maresca said about Chelsea vs Everton

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca admitted that it is important for his side to get the better of Everton when both teams face off on Saturday. The Blues have failed to win any of their last four games and need to turn a corner as soon as possible if they are to mount a title challenge against league leaders Arsenal.

Speaking in a press conference, Maresca was asked how important it is for them to defeat Everton, to which he said:

“Yeah, for sure it's important. But all the games, they're important. I think Bournemouth was important. The next one, we have Cardiff and then Newcastle. They are all important. So if we are able to beat Everton tomorrow, it's much better for us. Otherwise, we continue to try and to see how we can do better.”

Ahead of the clash, Chelsea sit fifth while Everton are seventh in the Premier League table.