Chelsea Star Criticized for ‘Selfish’ Performance in Carabao Cup Final Loss
Chelsea’s defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday has led to criticism of Enzo Fernandez, who was singled out by Ian Wright for his ‘selfish’ play. Despite having a golden opportunity to give Chelsea the lead in the second half, Fernandez opted for a backheeled attempt instead of passing to his open teammates, Raheem Sterling or Cole Palmer, who were in better shooting positions.
The Decision Highlights Chelsea’s Lack of Togetherness
Ian Wright believes that Fernandez’s decision to go for the backheel goal rather than setting up an easier tap-in for his teammates showcases the current disconnect and lack of togetherness within Chelsea’s squad. On The Kelly & Wrighty Show, Wright expressed his concerns about the disconnect between the fans, the players, and the management at Chelsea.
Questions Raised About Pochettino’s Approach
Wright also questioned Mauricio Pochettino’s ‘very negative’ approach to the second half of the final. He mentioned Pochettino’s decision to substitute tired players and suggested that it might be perceived as a lack of ambition and desire to win. This criticism adds to the pressure already mounting on Pochettino after a disappointing first season at Chelsea.
The Impact of Lengthy Contracts
Tim Sherwood, another guest on the show, raised concerns about Chelsea’s decision to offer lengthy contracts to new signings. He argued that these contracts have dampened the hunger and desire of the players, as they become comfortable and complacent. Sherwood believes that giving eight-year contracts to players on high salaries can lead to a lack of motivation and dedication.
Learning from Mistakes
Sherwood suggested that Chelsea should learn from other clubs, such as Brighton, who have a different model in terms of contract length and player motivation. He criticized Chelsea’s current model and emphasized the need for players to remain hungry and perform at their best consistently.
Conclusion
Chelsea’s defeat in the Carabao Cup final has sparked criticism and raised questions about the team’s togetherness, managerial decisions, and contract policies. Ian Wright’s comments highlight the current disconnect within the squad, while Tim Sherwood’s concerns about lengthy contracts add another dimension to the discussion. As Chelsea looks forward to the rest of the season, it remains to be seen how they will address these issues and work towards a more united and motivated team.