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Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca described his team’s 2-0 loss to Ipswich Town on Monday as “a strange game,” acknowledging that some matches don’t go as planned despite creating numerous opportunities.
Speaking in a post-match interview shared on the club’s website, Maresca reflected on the game at Portman Road, noting Chelsea’s missed chances, including an offside goal from Joao Felix and a shot from Cole Palmer that struck the post in the first half. Ipswich capitalized on their moments, with Liam Delap’s early penalty and a second-half goal from former Chelsea winger Omari Hutchinson sealing the victory.
“It was a bit of a strange game,” Maresca remarked. “We created so many chances in the first half, and in the first five or 10 minutes of the second half, we had two clear opportunities, including Joao’s header.
“The second goal killed the game. Sometimes, when you create so many chances—hitting the post, VAR decisions, incredible saves by the goalkeeper or defenders—it’s just not your day.”
Despite the defeat, Maresca praised Ipswich’s resilience: “Credit to them because their desire, their blocks, and their goalkeeper’s performance were outstanding.”
The loss marks consecutive defeats for Chelsea under Maresca, following their 2-1 Boxing Day loss to Fulham. The Blues have managed just one point from their last three matches, including a 0-0 draw against Everton on December 22.
However, Chelsea remains in fourth place in the Premier League standings, trailing third-place Arsenal by a single point and second-place Nottingham Forest by two points.
When asked about the team’s physical condition, Maresca dismissed concerns, saying: “Tonight wasn’t about physicality or fitness. When you don’t create chances, you might question those aspects. But we created plenty—hit the post, forced VAR reviews, and had numerous opportunities in both halves. Sometimes, it’s just not your day.”
Chelsea’s next challenge comes on Saturday as they face Crystal Palace. The Blues have a mixed record in their last five meetings with the Eagles, winning two, losing two, and drawing one.
