Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca shared his take on striker Nicolas Jackson’s red card in the 2-0 Premier League loss at Newcastle United on Sunday (May 11). Despite the defeat, the Blues remain fifth in the standings, following Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 home draw with already relegated Leicester City.
In the Tyneside game, following Sandro Tonali’s second-minute opener, Jackson saw red 34 minutes later. The Magpies capitalised on their numerical advantage in the 90th minute, with Bruno Guimaraes drilling home the winner, moving to third after Manchester City had dropped points in a goalless draw at Southampton.
Jackson’s dismissal came after he had a “forearm smash” on Newcastle defender Sven Botman. Following a VAR review, referee John Brooks showed him a straight red. However, Maresca doesn’t think it should have been a dismissal, explaining (as per Absolute Chelsea via NBC Sports Soccer):
The Blues face a tough end to their Premier League campaign. Following a home game with Manchester United on matchday 37 (May 16), Maresca’s side travel to Champions League-chasing Forest on the last day of the season (May 25).
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca wants his team to show the same spirit and determination as they embark on the final stretch of their domestic season as they eye a UEFA Champions League return.
Analysing his team’s play at Tyneside, especially with 10 men following Jackson’s dismissal, the Italian boss rued his team squandering late chances to win the game. One of those misses was from Reese James, with Newcastle grabbing the winner a few moments later.
Following their Premier League engagements, Maresca’s side take on Real Betis in the UEFA Europa Conference League final in Bilbao on May 28. The Blues are looking to become the first side to win all three major European club football competitions.
Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.
Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.
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