Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed frustration after his team’s 2-0 defeat against Newcastle at St. James’ Park, stating that the referee was too quick to send off Nicolas Jackson in the 35th minute, leaving Chelsea to play with 10 men for over an hour.

Maresca praised his team’s second-half performance, saying, “The team showed incredible effort, spirit, and energy in the second half. We must maintain this energy for Friday’s game.”

He highlighted missed chances by Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernández, and Reece James, adding, “The important thing is that we created chances. Unfortunately, we couldn’t convert them. My message has been the same for the last five or six games: when a match is over, focus on the next one.”

Regarding Jackson’s red card for an elbow on Sven Botman after VAR review, Maresca said, “This decision not only affects today but also the next two games, ending his season. If the referee believes it’s a red, then it’s a red. In this stadium, with this atmosphere, such decisions can be made too easily.”

Maresca told TNT Sports, “Playing at St. James’ Park is tough even with 11 men, let alone with 10. But the team showed great spirit and unity in the second half, and we must carry this energy into Friday’s game.”

He added, “Sometimes, in certain stadiums, decisions like this are easier to make. But if the referee believes it’s a red, then it’s a red. Sometimes you feel decisions are influenced by the crowd.”

Despite the loss, Chelsea remains in contention for a Champions League spot, though the race may go down to the final day. Maresca said, “We were in good form, but I always tell the players to focus on the next game. Now, we must prepare for Friday.”

Chelsea will face Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in their remaining fixtures, hoping to improve their league position.