'It’s a shame...' - Enzo Maresca speaks out after Chelsea's FA Cup elimination

Brighton defeated Chelsea to advance to the FA Cup fifth round thanks to a goal from Kaoru Mitoma in the second half. The comeback win also relieved some of the strain on Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler. Following their miserable 7-0 loss to Nottingham Forest the previous week, the Seagulls were under pressure. Enzo Maresca labelled this defeat as a shame for Chelsea.

They got off to a terrible start in this cup match as goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen mishandled Cole Palmer's harmless cross into his own net five minutes in. One of Chelsea's recent problems, though, has been letting leads slip. Seven minutes after that early Verbruggen gift, Georginio Rutter headed Joel Veltman's mouthwatering cross past Robert Sanchez, the former Seagulls goalkeeper, and they were pegged back.

However, letting the leads go has been one of Chelsea's recent problems. In the 57^th minute of the game, Kaoru Mitoma scored to end Chelsea's dream of going ahead in FA Cup. Chelsea failed to get the lead in the game and had to face a defeat as they ended their FA Cup journey.

After the game, Enzo Maresca was asked what was next for Chelsea in a press conference. He said, "Being out of the FA Cup, it's a shame. No doubt. If there is something positive, we can be focused on the Premier League and the Conference League. Hopefully we can continue our journey there."

Enzo Maresca gives update on James Reece

Meanwhile, James Reece was left out again for the match as he is still recovering from his injury. Later Enzo Maresca cleared the air on the situation James Reece said, "It was planned. he is okay, he is training but it was to protect him." 

Chelsea last won the FA Cup in 2018 and after losing to Brighton their dream to lift the domestic cup went on to another season. In Premier League Chelsea will again face Brighton at Amex Stadium, as they are in the top 4 spot.