15 Aug 2025 10:00:48
Enzo Maresca in his presser. : "The club knows what I think, we need a central defender in my view after Colwill's injury. but we are looking internally for a defender".
What does that mean? sounds like Maresca wants a new signing and the sporting directors are saying we have a replacement in the squad/ s?
I can only assume that either means recalling Sarr from his loan at Strasbourg, going with BB or Disasi or keeping Viega? Any other takes on it that I have missed? The harmony at the club is spot on at the moment and I want it to stay that way.

1.) 15 Aug 2025
15 Aug 2025 10:10:07
Enzo in the presser.
"When we build, we build with Levi in the middle. It's different than the left side. Levi is out, the only one who can do that job well is Tosin. Hato is a new one, he never played as the guy in the middle last season. Central defender, yes, but it's different. Also we have players that unfortunately have some problems and this is the reason why I said the club knows exactly what I think about central defenders"

2.) 16 Aug 2025
16 Aug 2025 07:29:56
It's the same as under Conte. The middle one being the most comfortable on the ball, setting up a lot of the passing sequences and knowing his role both defensively and offensively. Our other ones don't have that profile.

3.) 16 Aug 2025
16 Aug 2025 08:12:13
From the current squad, Disasi and Veiga will be sold, they’ve been left off the first team squad list. Can’t see us recalling Sarr, he’s best developing at Strasbourg. Anselmino looks like such a talent, but his lack of use in friendlies shows he’s clearly not at this level yet, will either play in the youth set up or get a loan.

James or Gusto will invert or push up along the wing from RB, depending on the opposition.

Fofana, Acheampong or Chalobah are great fits for the RCB role (when moving into a back three, whilst in possession) .

Cucurella and Hato are perfect for moving to LCB from LB, whilst Badiashille can also shift over, into this role, if the LB inverts or pushes up.

Without Colwill we’re left with Tosin playing the CCB role. Chalobah could play there too, but more suited to the RCB role, where, for me, Fofana and Acheampong are better options - he could still seek a move (again) . Badiashille doesn’t have the control to play there and, when fit, Fofana is at his best defending the channel from a wider position, not in the middle of the box.

I see Maresca’s view, a signing would be ideal in the short term, but we’re certainly not looking to replace Colwill for the long term and we don’t want to stem the development of Acheampong. I think the club are right. Make do with what we have for that role (Tosin and Chalobah) and wait for Colwill to return. If Chalobah moves for regular mins, we’ll certainly need to sign a CB.

The coach will always be thinking of win now (job security) the club will be looking longer term at player development.

4.) 16 Aug 2025
16 Aug 2025 09:14:20
Thanks Dan and J, very insightful replies of how we set up. I can now see Maresca's view on why he wants a replacement for Levi Colwill.

5.) 16 Aug 2025
16 Aug 2025 09:40:28
J, I agree 100% with your assessment.

6.) 16 Aug 2025
16 Aug 2025 20:07:49
J, I don’t agree with your assessment. As for Maresca, I have been critical of him but in the latter part of the season he has shown flexibility and tactical nous. This season will be a big test for him. Why shouldn’t he want to win now; that’s his job! I don’t accept that the club are looking for player development; I’m not sure how you come to that conclusion. As for waiting for Colwill; that is next season; making do with Tosin and Chalobah is defeatist; both are good players both not top class. Can we rely on Fofana who has hardly kicked a ball for us since he signed? I have no idea of the reports that we are still chasing Simons and Garnacho are true but I’m with Maresca priority should be given to signing a top class CB; Colwill can fight for his place next season. We have improved last season and must take a step up, I am not concerned about individual players development if they are good enough they will play.

7.) 17 Aug 2025
17 Aug 2025 00:47:06
Jimbo, yes you were critical of EM. You made all sorts of statements about his management abilities and that’s reasonable. It’s also reasonable that he starts this season with slightly more credibility but with more pressures.

All managers should feel that pressure. All SD’s should feel the pressure. All owners should feel the pressure.

All clubs shout have a desire for player development, even if they are homegrown or not.

8.) 17 Aug 2025
17 Aug 2025 07:55:59
Tom, as I said Maresca had a very good end of the season but that is a very short timescale. Our squad is on par with any in the PL with one or two exceptions so this season the fans expect the team to step up. Obviously, development of players is important but top clubs also want to win things in the hear and now and not in some distant time in the future.
I doubt whether our owners feel any pressure.