Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca described his team’s 2-0 defeat to Ipswich Town on Monday as “a strange game,” acknowledging that some football matches simply don’t go as planned. In remarks shared via the club’s website on Tuesday, the Italian coach reflected on the game, noting his team’s missed opportunities and Ipswich’s clinical performance.
The Blues created numerous chances at Portman Road, with Joao Felix having an offside goal disallowed and Cole Palmer striking the post in the first half. Despite their efforts, Ipswich secured victory through Liam Delap’s 12th-minute penalty and a second-half goal from former Chelsea winger Omari Hutchinson.
Maresca explained: “It was a bit of a strange game. We created so many chances in the first half, and in the first five or ten minutes of the second half, we had two clear opportunities: the header from Joao.
“Then I think the second goal killed the game a little bit. Sometimes, when you create so many chances, the post, the VAR, the goalkeeper’s saves, or defenders blocking shots, it just doesn’t go your way.
“It’s a shame because it was another chance for us, but congratulations to them. When you save so many shots on the line, with the goalkeeper or defenders, their desire to win was very high.”
The defeat marked Chelsea’s second consecutive loss under Maresca, following a 2-1 setback against Fulham on Boxing Day. The Blues have managed only one point from their last three matches, including a 0-0 draw with Everton on December 22.
Despite the recent struggles, Chelsea’s strong start to the season under Maresca has kept them in fourth place, just one point behind third-placed Arsenal and two points off Nottingham Forest in second.
Addressing questions about the team’s physical condition, Maresca dismissed concerns, saying: “No, tonight’s game, I don’t think it’s about physical condition. When you play and don’t create chances, then you could say we struggled physically, we weren’t fresh, or we weren’t good enough.
“But when you create so many chances—hitting the post, the amount of chances, VAR decisions—it's clear we were active. We started the second half strongly with two clear chances, but the second goal killed the game. Sometimes it’s just not your day.”
Chelsea will look to bounce back in their first game of the new year against Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Blues have a mixed record against the Eagles, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five meetings. The match presents an opportunity to reset and regain momentum as they aim to stay in contention for a top-four finish.
