Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made it clear in a spiky post-match press conference that Enzo Fernandez must stick to his strict tactical philosophy—or risk being substituted.

The Blues edged past Leicester City with a narrow 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge, but frustration among the home fans was evident, particularly over Chelsea’s slow, methodical style of play. The crowd groaned as the team repeatedly passed sideways and backwards, with one moment involving Fernandez drawing particular ire.

After the game, a journalist asked Maresca whether the fan frustration was “unhelpful,” referencing a specific instance where Fernandez opted to pass backwards in a promising attacking moment. Rather than dismissing the concern, Maresca doubled down on his tactical demands.

“Yeah, but the good thing is that Fernandez knows that if he doesn’t play back, I will change him. If the ‘keeper plays long, I will change him. This is what we have,” Maresca stated.

The response was as much a warning to Fernandez as it was a message to the fans—this is how Maresca wants Chelsea to play, and he will not compromise. The Italian coach has long been a disciple of possession-based football, prioritizing control over chaos, but his methods have led to increasing frustration among supporters who want more urgency in attack.

Maresca’s exaggerated celebrations at full-time also caught attention, with some suggesting they were as much directed at the critics as they were an outpouring of relief after a tense finale.

With Chelsea still struggling for consistency, Maresca’s firm stance on playing style could become a growing point of contention. As the season progresses, the key question remains: Will results justify his philosophy, or will fan pressure force a rethink?