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The Blues have been admonished for trying to copy Manchester City and Arsenal.
Paul Merson believes Chelsea's insistence on playing out from the back is a risky strategy that could ultimately hurt their progress.
Robert Sanchez’s error in the Blues’ 4-2 victory against Brighton last Saturday and the intermittent individual mistakes in their build-up phase under Enzo Maresca have worried supporters, thus leading to Merson’s remarks.
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What Merson said about Maresca’s Chelsea
While the erstwhile Arsenal player acknowledges Chelsea’s strong start to the season, he feels their build-up play is not as smooth as teams like Manchester City or his former club under Mikel Arteta, causing nervy moments.
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“I can't knock Chelsea's start but they've got to change this obsession with playing out of the back,” said Merson in his Sky Sports column. “You go and watch them and you're squeezing your programme every time they try it.
“They pass out, and you're anxious the whole time. It's not like watching Man City or Arsenal, the way they flow through the press. It's like grabbing onto your seat stuff.
“Chelsea can hurt anyone on their day, but on other days they will hurt themselves because it's not completely fluid. You can't keep scoring four goals every week. But I can't knock the start.”
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21:37 - 08.12.2024
Enzo Maresca Net Worth: Nationality, Age, Height, Career, Style of Play, Chelsea Record, Salary, Wife, How Rich is he in 2024?
Everything you need to know about current Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, including his Playing and Coaching Career, Tactics, Relationship with Pep Guardiola, Personal Life and How Rich he is in 2024.
The 56-year-old suggests the Blues should focus on achieving a top-four finish and a good cup run, particularly in the Europa Conference League where they have a chance to make history.
He also praised manager Maresca for finding consistency in his team selection despite having a large squad but warned them against complacency and losing sight of their objectives.
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08:42 - 01.10.2024
Jadon Sancho happy to play with Palmer, Jackson after Manchester United nightmare
England star Jadon Sancho is enjoying a successful start to his Chelsea career alongside Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and others.
What next for Chelsea?
Chelsea host Genk in the Conference League at Stamford Bridge on Thursday before welcoming Nottingham Forest to West London three days later.
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