Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf has launched a scathing critique of manager Enzo Maresca following Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad.

The Blues took an early lead but failed to capitalise, eventually succumbing to a dominant City performance that left fans and pundits questioning Maresca’s tactical approach.

Leboeuf, speaking on ESPN FC, lambasted Maresca for employing an overly aggressive, high-line strategy against Pep Guardiola’s side.

“I mean, everything was bad,” Leboeuf said.

“The mentality was bad, they got sloppy after the first goal, they didn’t finish the game after the chances that they had, and after that, they played too high on the field.”

Manchester City’s direct approach exposed Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities, with long balls and quick transitions leading to their goals. For Leboeuf, this tactical naivety was unforgivable. “The first time that I’m very upset with Maresca because we all know that Manchester City cannot cope with the situation when you wait for them and you counter-attack,” he explained.

“And Chelsea have so many weapons to cope with that and to kill Manchester City. Instead of that, he played high on the field and got caught in his own tactic. That’s insane for me!”

Leboeuf’s harsh words reflect growing frustrations as Chelsea drop out of the Premier League’s top four following the defeat. Despite their early-season promise, the loss has dented Chelsea’s ambitions, with even a Champions League spot now under threat.