Alious**Enzo Maresca Slams Officiating in FA Cup Defeat, Promises ‘Different Game’ in Premier League Rematch with Brighton**
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca didn’t hold back after his side’s 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round defeat to Brighton, blaming questionable officiating for the loss and warning the Seagulls to expect a much tougher challenge when the two sides face off again in the Premier League next week.
Despite grabbing an early lead through a stroke of luck, Chelsea couldn’t hold on as Brighton mounted an impressive comeback with goals from Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma, securing their first home win since November.
Speaking to **BBC Sport**, Maresca expressed frustration over Brighton’s winning goal, claiming that Tariq Lamptey handled the ball in the buildup. Without VAR in place for the fourth round of the FA Cup, the incident went unchecked, leaving Maresca fuming.
*”I think the handball before Brighton’s second goal is quite clear,”* Maresca said. *”In the past few days, we’ve seen several controversial moments in other games. Without VAR, it’s complicated.”*
While the Italian manager acknowledged his team had chances to equalize, he stressed that the focus now shifts to the Premier League and the Conference League. *“We always play to win, but we have to accept the consequences of the result. Now, we move forward.”*
### **‘Different Competition, Different Game’ – Maresca Ready for Premier League Clash**
The two teams are set to meet again at the Amex on February 14, but Maresca isn’t dwelling on the FA Cup defeat.
*”I don’t think this result will affect the next game. It’s a different competition, a different game,”* he confidently stated.
However, Maresca highlighted a key lesson his squad needs to learn—how to secure wins even when not at their best. *“I’ve told the players before, and I reminded them again tonight: big clubs know how to win ugly, even if it’s just 1-0. That’s something we need to improve on.”*
### **Tactical Decisions Under Scrutiny**
Maresca also addressed his tactical choices, particularly his decision not to bring on an additional attacker after falling behind.
*”If you swap a defender for an attacker, you risk leaving yourself too exposed, especially against players like Mitoma and Minteh who thrive on quick transitions,”* he explained.
Despite the disappointment of an early FA Cup exit, Maresca is determined to find the silver lining. *“It’s a big shame for us to be out, but if there’s a positive, it’s that we can now fully focus on the Premier League and Conference League. Hopefully, we can continue the strong run we’ve had in Europe so far.”*
With tensions rising and both teams eager to prove a point, Friday’s Premier League showdown at the Amex promises to be anything but ordinary.
Alious
