Maresca backs James after Chelsea’s derby win
Enzo Maresca insisted he took Reece James off at half-time against Fulham because the Chelsea captain had already played 90 minutes this week.
Pedro Neto’s stoppage-time winner at Craven Cottage gave Maresca’s side a dramatic 2-1 victory and a huge boost in their pursuit of a Champions League place.
James, who played in Thursday’s Conference League game against Legia Warsaw, was given only his second Premier League start of the season.
He was substituted at the interval, when the Blues were 1-0 down, after a first half in which he struggled badly, losing possession in the build-up to Alex Iwobi’s 20th-minute opener.
But Maresca said: “Fantastic. Very happy, because he played two days ago and played again 45, so for us as a team it’s an important moment because we can start to think about him every three days.
“This is fantastic for us because he is our captain, a main player, fantastic player, so it’s good news.
“We conceded the first goal when he lost the ball. It can happen. The reason we changed him was just because he played 90 minutes two days ago.”
James was replaced by Malo Gusto, who had to be substituted late on with what looked like a nasty hamstring injury.
“That unfortunately is not a good one. A muscle problem,” Maresca explained.
“You could see how important Malo Gusto is for us and unfortunately it looks like a muscular injury.”
Chelsea’s win – their first away from home in 2025 – lifted them above Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest to fifth in the table.
It has been a difficult first season at the helm for Maresca, who has faced criticism from fans, but could yet end with silverware and a Champions League spot.
Maresca on why he didn't celebate more with the fans after Chelsea's derby victory.#cfc pic.twitter.com/psPTfnXRuI
— West London Sport (@WestLondonSport) April 20, 2025
“It was difficult for us and this was a must-win game,” he said.
“I was very happy as it was a nice moment to win the game, but it is for the players and for the fans to enjoy. The players need the support of the fans.
“I was quite positive as the team was creating chances and had extra energy. The team was performing well.
“It was a fantastic goal from Pedro – he has done very well since he arrived here. But the whole team was very good and Cole (Palmer) was better today.
“It is already a good season and can be very good if we can get Champions League football.”
Christopher Nkunku was left out of the matchday squad, which Maresca called a “technical decision”.
