Fans were left surprised by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca’s decision to include French defender Axel Disasi in his starting lineup to face Southampton in the Premier League (December 4). Blues fans called the 26-year-old’s inclusion “an absolute disgrace,” claiming that playing him is a “real big risk” from the Italian tactician.
Since his arrival from Monaco for a reported €45 million in August 2023, Disasi has been in and out of Chelsea’s lineup due to his inconsistent performances. He has made 54 appearances for the Blues, helping his side keep 16 clean sheets in the process.
This season, Disasi has captained the side on three occasions, winning all three. He led the side in a 5-0 drubbing of Barrow in the EFL Cup and in UEFA Europa Conference League victories over Gent (4-2) and Heidenheim (2-0).
Despite his solid performances, fans are not convinced about Maresca’s decision to play him against the Saints. @PeteSiPeter wrote:
“Disasi the real big risk from Maresca.”
@sterlingcfc wrote:
“How are you starting Disasi in the Prem, its an absolute disgrace. Idiot man.”
Here is a selection of fan reactions (via X):
“Disasi, god have mercy upon us,” @cfc_boga prayed.
“Not bad. But Disasi is a big problem for us,” @YoungestJosh opined.
“If it was (Levi) Colwill instead of Disasi I would have been happy but that’s an instant red flag,” @JTChelseaFan01 claimed.
“Disasi, we’ve lost,” @VdykCFC wrote.
“Disasi and Tosin (Adarabioyo) together??? Lmao I hope this doesn’t cost us. They both kinda slow,” @CfcDae wrote.
@SantossCFC exclaimed, “DISASI????”
“Disasista starting I hope we just win,” @Jaymowajujaz wrote.
“Disasi, It’s overrr,” @_sarahv3 wrote.
Playing mostly as a right-back, Disasi has made 10 appearances (nine starts) across all competitions this season, with a goal and two assists to his name.
“The toughest game” – Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca makes surprising claim about EPL clash vs Southampton
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca surprisingly claimed that their Premier League clash against Southampton will be “the toughest game” of their season thus far.
The Saints are rock-bottom in the league table with just five points after 13 rounds of fixtures (one win, two draws, 10 losses). Meanwhile, Chelsea sit on 25 points, placing them third, behind London rivals Arsenal, who are also on 25 points, and runaway leaders Liverpool (34 points).
Despite the gulf in quality on paper, Maresca has claimed that his side will need to be on their toes in order to secure a victory. Speaking to reporters, the 44-year-old claimed (via GOAL):
“This is the worst game for us since we started the season. The toughest game and we need to be ready, otherwise it will be a bad day for us. If you analyse the results, they are there (at the bottom of the table) but in terms of performance, they are very good. They were leading against Liverpool, only lost 1-0 to Manchester City and they drew in the last game against Brighton.”
“I was in the Championship with Southampton last season and I know how good they are. They are very brave, they want to keep the ball and for sure this will be a very difficult game for us and we need to be ready,” Maresca added.
Chelsea will take on Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday, December 4.
Edited by Arshit Garg
