Enzo Maresca’s Confidence in Nkunku Backfires After Disastrous FA Cup Display Against Brighton

**Enzo Maresca’s Confidence in Nkunku Backfires After Disastrous FA Cup Display Against Brighton**

Enzo Maresca’s recent comments have come back to haunt him following Chelsea’s disappointing 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round. The Italian manager had boldly expressed no regrets over Chelsea’s quiet January transfer window, even as injuries piled up, leaving the squad thin in attack with Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu sidelined. Despite the growing injury list, Maresca stood firm, insisting that Chelsea had done enough in the transfer market and that Christopher Nkunku was more than capable of stepping up in the absence of key forwards.

However, Maresca’s faith in Nkunku was not repaid at the Amex Stadium. The Frenchman delivered an underwhelming performance, struggling to make any real impact. He failed to register a single shot and managed just one touch inside Brighton’s penalty area. This lackluster showing proved to be a major embarrassment for Maresca, who had publicly backed Nkunku to fill the attacking void left by Jackson and Guiu.

Chelsea initially took the lead thanks to an early own goal from Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, but the Seagulls responded emphatically with goals from Joel Veltman and Georginio Rutter to secure their place in the next round. After the match, Maresca’s earlier confidence looked misplaced, especially considering his remarks after Chelsea’s game against West Ham, where he stated, *“I think we did all the things we needed [in the transfer window]. We had two strikers, Nico and Marc, and sometimes we adapt Christo [Nkunku] there. In case both are out, we will find a different solution.”*

That “different solution” has yet to materialize, with Nkunku’s struggles raising more questions than answers. Adding to the frustration, Maresca admitted post-match that Chelsea sorely missed Jackson’s presence, saying, *“Sometimes you need to play some games without players to realize how important they are. Off the ball, his pressing is always very good, and on the ball, he is always a threat.”*

Jackson’s hamstring injury is not considered serious, and he could be available for Chelsea’s next Premier League match—ironically another clash against Brighton. His return might see Nkunku relegated back to the bench, further complicating the Frenchman’s already frustrating season. Despite being linked with a potential move to Manchester United in January, Nkunku has struggled to cement a starting role under Maresca, making just three Premier League starts since his arrival from RB Leipzig. Meanwhile, Jackson has been a key figure in Chelsea’s attack, missing only two league games while contributing nine goals and five assists.

Maresca’s unwavering support for Nkunku now appears to be a gamble that hasn’t paid off, leaving Chelsea fans and pundits alike questioning whether the club’s lack of January reinforcements could cost them dearly as the season progresses.