Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has responded to questions regarding the controversial tackle from Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi on Cole Palmer during their Premier League clash at the King Power Stadium. While the Blues emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, they did not seem pleased with the heavy tackle that sent Palmer tumbling to the ground. The Nigerian midfielder’s studs made contact with Palmer’s Achilles heel, prompting concerns that referee Andy Madley would issue a red card. However, Madley showed only a yellow card, and after consulting VAR, the decision stood.
When asked about the controversial decision after the game, Maresca expressed his views, stating that he did not believe Ndidi had targeted Palmer intentionally. The Chelsea boss emphasized that he believes the referee’s punishment should be different in cases where there is clear bad intent. He went on to say that Wilfred Ndidi, a former player and manager of his, did not have bad intentions and did not think he deserved a red card.
Maresca’s remarks sparked a mix of reactions from fans and pundits, with some feeling that the referee had been lenient in his assessment of the tackle. However, the Chelsea boss’s defense of Ndidi may have been influenced by his personal relationship with the Leicester City midfielder, having managed him during his time at the King Power Stadium.
In addition to discussing the tackle, Maresca also praised Enzo Fernandez’s performance against Leicester, describing him as “very well” and saying he was trying to convince Fernandez, like he did with Ndidi and Kiernan, to be more aggressive in the final third. Fernandez played a key role in the Chelsea midfield, winning seven duels and contributing to the team’s winning goal.
Maresca’s response to the controversy surrounding Ndidi’s tackle suggests that he is prioritizing the perspectives of all parties involved, including his former player. While some may disagree with his assessment, his comments demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the challenges that referees face in making difficult decisions during matches. As the Premier League season continues, it will be interesting to see how other managers and players respond to controversial tackles and decisions in the future.
