Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has criticised Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca over the ‘pathetic’ team he selected for the Blues’ 0-0 Premier League draw against Brentford last Sunday.

Merson said he was flabbergasted that Maresca rested some of his key players ahead of Chelsea’s UEFA Europa Conference League tie with Legia Warsaw.

Maresca’s side are set to face the Polish team in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final tie tonight.


Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said: “I could not believe the team Enzo Maresca [Chelsea manager] put out at Brentford.

“When that team came out, I was flabbergasted. It was pathetic.

“Chelsea have won the Champions League. This’s the Europa Conference League – and he is resting players for it?

“Getting into the [UEFA] Champions League has to be the be-all and end-all. They’ve to be in it.

“If they come sixth in the [English] Premier League and win the [UEFA] Europa Conference League, it would be a shocker. A shocker.”

https://dailypost.ng/2025/04/10/europa-conference-league-paul-merson-slams-chelsea-manager-maresca-for-pathetic-team/