Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca makes Premier League record three substitutions in 21 minutes amid challenging week

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca faced significant challenges during a demanding week with fixtures against Brentford, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United, resulting in a draw and two defeats. Maresca made bold and sometimes controversial decisions, including a triple substitution at halftime against Brentford, signaling adjustments due to initial lineup errors, and an unprecedented three substitutions within 21 minutes against Manchester United after goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off early. His choices reflected tactical responses to injuries, player fitness concerns, and the need to adapt to playing with ten men, such as replacing attacking players with more defensive options when down a player. Across these matches, Maresca utilized a relatively small core of players, with only 16 starters used, revealing his trust in certain squad members and cautious management of others with long-term injuries. Despite the setbacks, Maresca's approach shows a willingness to make significant in-game changes to influence outcomes and manage player fitness amid a congested schedule. The upcoming Carabao Cup match against Lincoln City offers Chelsea an opportunity to reverse their recent struggles and stabilize under Maresca's leadership.