Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has weighed in on Wilfried Ndidi’s controversial tackle on Cole Palmer during Saturday’s Premier League clash between Chelsea and Leicester City, according to Sportskeeda.
Despite widespread outrage from Chelsea fans after referee Andy Madley opted not to show a red card, Maresca took a more measured stance.
The match, held at the King Power Stadium, ended 2-1 in Chelsea’s favor, with goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez securing the win.
However, the game’s flashpoint occurred in the 22nd minute when Ndidi, while chasing Palmer, brought him down from behind, making contact with the back of his ankle.
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Enzo Maresca Defended Ndidi
In his post-match interview, Enzo Maresca, who previously coached Ndidi at Leicester, defended the midfielder’s intentions.
“I don’t think Cole is the target. I don’t think that,” Maresca stated.
“I’m not saying Wilf [Ndidi] had bad intentions because I love Wilf. When there is bad intention, I believe the punishment should be different.”
Maresca further explained,
“I saw the clip, and to be honest, I don’t think it’s a red. The other one [referring to an earlier incident against Manchester United], I said that was definitely a red card.”
His comments reflect his belief that Ndidi’s tackle, while aggressive, lacked malicious intent, offering a contrasting perspective to the widespread criticism.
