Lincoln vs Chelsea: Maresca blasts Alejandro Garnacho, others for struggling vs League One club

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca did not mince words after his team’s unconvincing 2-1 victory over League One side Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup. 

The Italian coach revealed he delivered a furious half-time dressing-down to his players, including high-profile starters like Alejandro Garnacho, for their struggles against a lower-league opponent.

The Blues, despite a team sheet that included regulars like Enzo Fernandez, Wesley Fofana, and Trevoh Chalobah, were outfought and outplayed in the first half at the LNER Stadium. 

A goal from Lincoln's Rob Street put the hosts ahead just before the break, a moment that seemingly confirmed Maresca's pre-match fears about the cup tie being a "tricky" encounter.

Maresca's anger, coming after the defeat to Manchester United, stemmed from what he perceived as a lack of understanding of the unique challenges posed by a spirited lower-league team. 

In a post-match press conference, the manager explained his half-time team talk, revealing he had to remind his players of the higher stakes and desire in such matches.

"I know some of them didn’t play these kind of games," Maresca said per Fotmob. "I asked them how many times they had played against League One teams because you need to play a different kind of game.”

“It’s not the same game because the desire is double from them. We struggled a bit in the first half but we were much better in the second half and we won the game."

The tactical and mental adjustments made at the break paid off immediately. Chelsea scored two goals in the opening five minutes of the second half, with Tyrique George and Facundo Buonanotte turning the match on its head and saving the Blues from a potential cup upset. 

While Maresca's words were harsh, they were clearly effective, as the team emerged with renewed purpose and energy.

This experience, though a difficult one, is likely to be a valuable lesson for Chelsea's younger players, including the likes of new stars Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, who were making their first starts for the club. 

Maresca acknowledged this, stating, "If the next game is against a League One or League Two team away, for sure this experience will be good for the next one. This has been a good experience."

The win ensures Chelsea's progression in the Carabao Cup, but the post-match debrief served as a stark reminder of the standards Maresca expects.