‘Which player should we change?’ Maresca DEFENDS substitution decisions in draw with Crystal Palace

Enzo Maresca defended his decision not to make more, or earlier, subs in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s late equaliser after Cole Palmer’s first-half opener made it four games without a win for Maresca’s side in the Premier League.

The Chelsea boss opted to make just two substitutions in the game, both of which came after 80 minutes with Marc Guiu and Noni Madueke replacing Nicolas Jackson and Jadon Sancho.

But Maresca insists his team were playing well enough to win the game.

“I’ll ask you, which player should we change today?” Maresca responded to a journalist.

“I know it’s my job but sometimes when we do changes, it’s because there is one not doing enough and we change for another one, or because one who is playing is tired or is not pressing good.

“Today I think that the 11 who were on the pitch were all good. Pedro was very good, Jadon was very good, Nico was good, Cole was good, Enzo was good, Moi was good, Josh was good.

“Making change for a change? I don’t like. I like to make changes when there is a reason why.

“The reason why we changed Nico is because his pressing was a bit tired with ten or 15 minutes to go. Marc is fresh and has new energy, exactly the same with Noni for Jadon.

“This is the reason why.”