Chelsea’s Premier League season got off to a dismal start with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, leaving fans outraged and questioning the direction of the club under new head coach Enzo Maresca. What was meant to be a fresh chapter quickly turned sour, as the same issues that plagued Chelsea last season reappeared, sparking widespread criticism of Maresca’s tactics, the club’s chaotic transfer policy, and the owners’ management style.
From the opening moments, it was clear that Chelsea was struggling to keep up with the reigning champions. Manchester City controlled the game with their characteristic dominance, and Erling Haaland capitalized on a defensive lapse to put City ahead early. Chelsea’s attempts to respond were disjointed and lacked the cutting edge needed to break down City’s well-drilled defense. Phil Foden’s late goal put the game beyond doubt, sending Chelsea fans into a frenzy of frustration.
As the final whistle blew, boos echoed around Stamford Bridge, and angry supporters took to social media to voice their discontent. “#SameOldChelsea” quickly began trending, with fans expressing their exasperation over yet another lackluster performance. “New season, same rubbish. How do we keep making the same mistakes? This isn’t the Chelsea I grew up supporting,” one fan tweeted.
Much of the criticism was aimed at Enzo Maresca, whose tactical approach was viewed as overly cautious and ineffective against a formidable Manchester City side. “Maresca’s tactics were all wrong today,” one supporter wrote. “We played like a team scared to lose, not one that’s out to win. Where’s the fight? The creativity? It feels like we’re stuck in the same old rut.”
But it wasn’t just the tactics that drew the ire of fans. Chelsea’s transfer policy, which has seen the club bring in a slew of new players, was also heavily criticized. Supporters lamented the lack of cohesion and direction, with many questioning whether the club’s scattergun approach to signings was doing more harm than good. “We’ve signed so many players, but what’s the plan? It feels like we’re just throwing money at the problem without thinking about how these players fit together,” another fan tweeted. “There’s no chemistry, no identity—just a bunch of new faces who can’t seem to gel.”
The club’s ownership, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, also came under fire. Many fans feel that the club is being run more like a business venture than a football club, with little regard for stability or long-term success. “The owners are treating Chelsea like a plaything,” one frustrated supporter posted. “They’ve spent millions, but where’s the leadership? Where’s the vision? We need a clear strategy, not more chaos.”
As Chelsea prepares for the next match, the pressure is already mounting on Enzo Maresca and the club’s leadership. The fans have made their feelings clear: they expect better, and if things don’t improve soon, the discontent at Stamford Bridge will only continue to grow.