Chelsea demonstrated the form of unity they’ll want as they appear to place Enzo Maresca’s departure behind them, so stated Reece James after a battling 1-1 draw with Manchester Metropolis.
Enzo Fernandez scored deep in second-half stoppage time to rescue some extent for managerless Chelsea on the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Tijjani Reijnders had put Metropolis forward, however Pep Guardiola’s crew couldn’t benefit from some promising openings to place the end result past doubt.
Chelsea had been led by interim boss Calum McFarlane within the wake of Maresca’s shock departure on Thursday.
James instructed Sky Sports activities: “We needed to settle for what we had been on earlier on within the week and put it behind us.
“We got here right here with a gameplan. Within the first half, we made a slight error for his or her purpose. However we grew into the sport within the second half and we knew an opportunity would come and Enzo took the prospect when it got here.
“Credit score to the workers that stepped up. They haven’t been on this function earlier than. To return to Manchester Metropolis away as your first sport is tough.
“We needed to adapt quick. We got here out within the second half with a barely totally different plan and because the sport went on, we grew extra into it.
“We now have to face collectively as a unit. We’re one. We missed many gamers in the present day, however so many different gamers stepped up. We fought as a crew and I’m happy with the boys.
“In fact, it’s tough however we’ve to battle for one another. We dug in and obtained the purpose.”
That Chelsea spirit. #CFC | #MCICHE pic.twitter.com/xsnqS1s32p
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 4, 2026
Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior has been linked with taking cost, although he insisted on Saturday that his focus for now was on the Ligue 1 membership.
“We all know nothing in the mean time,” stated James.
“This complete week was about this sport. What occurs behind the scenes isn’t all the way down to us. We took some extent from a really tough place to return. We now have to recuperate. We’ll see what occurs within the coming days.”
Fernandez’s purpose, timed at 93:14, is the newest equaliser or winner that Man Metropolis have conceded at dwelling within the Premier League since Michael Olise for Crystal Palace in a 2-2 attract December 2023 (94:28).
“A tough second for us but it surely’s a part of soccer. Completely satisfied for the crew,” Fernandez instructed Sky Sports activities.
“In fact, I’m sorry for [Maresca] however it’s a part of soccer and life. We maintain going.”
Chelsea are again in motion on Wednesday after they face Fulham.
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