Maresca Reveals Stern Warning to Jorgensen: 'Play Long Ball and You're Out'

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca revealed he warned goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen to play out from the back or face being substituted during the 4-0 win over Southampton.

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca revealed that he gave explicit instructions to goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen during the team's 4-0 victory over Southampton. Maresca warned the Danish keeper that if he didn't play the ball out from the back, he would be replaced. This directive was clear, and Jorgensen was expected to adhere to it.

Despite keeping a clean sheet in the convincing win, Jorgensen's decision to play the ball out from the back was met with dissatisfaction from the Chelsea fans. Throughout the game, the crowd could be heard jeering and booing as Jorgensen patiently waited for an option to play the ball out from the back. However, the goalkeeper remained committed to Maresca's instructions, even in the face of crowd discontent.

Maresca's post-match comments shed light on his tactical approach and the specific instructions given to Jorgensen. The Chelsea coach had recently chosen Jorgensen as the team's No. 1 goalkeeper, ahead of Robert Sanchez, and it's clear that he expects the Danish keeper to play a key role in implementing his tactical vision. By playing the ball out from the back, Jorgensen is helping to facilitate Chelsea's patient, possession-based style of play.

🔵👀 Enzo Maresca: “My message to Filip Jorgensen was: if you play long ball, I’ll change you”.

“For sure he has to follow the plan”. pic.twitter.com/sp2VDnJ4oU

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 26, 2025

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has revealed the stern message he conveyed to goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen during the team's 4-0 win over Southampton. “My message to Filip was: 'If you play long ball, I will change you.' So he was just doing what I told him to,” Maresca explained during the press conference afterwards. This directive from Maresca made it clear that he expected Jorgensen to play the ball out from the back, rather than resorting to long balls.

🎙️ Enzo's take on our confident display. #CFC | #CHESOU pic.twitter.com/XZtcesT3gP

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 26, 2025

Maresca acknowledged that playing out from the back can be a challenging task for goalkeepers, including Jorgensen and his counterpart Robert Sanchez. “It is difficult for Filip. It was difficult for Robert when he played. I mean, it's difficult for all keepers. They just follow the plan,” said Maresca. By emphasizing the importance of adhering to the team's plan, Maresca highlighted the role that goalkeepers play in implementing his tactical vision.

Jorgensen is expected to be back in action again during the weekend when Chelsea face Leicester, before the team's Conference League fixtures against FC Copenhagen. As the team's first-choice goalkeeper, Jorgensen will be looking to build on his clean sheet against Southampton and continue to implement Maresca's instructions. With a busy schedule ahead, Jorgensen's ability to play out from the back will be crucial in helping Chelsea achieve their objectives.