Chelsea fans on X called out Axel Disasi and Benoît Badiashile for their performance against Bundesliga side Heidenheim in the UEFA Conference League. The pair failed to meet the expectations of the Blues faithful in their defensive duties despite their 2-0 win on Thursday, November 28.
Chelsea traveled to Voith-Arena for their fourth group game of the 2024-25 UEFA Conference League, hoping to maintain their faultless start in the competition. After a goalless first half between both sides, Enzo Maresca’s men continued to dominate the play.
They were rewarded with a goal in the 51st minute. Cristopher Nkunku beautifully controlled a pass from Jadon Sancho inside the box. The former cut inside his marker and rifled the ball into the left side of the net.
After Chelsea took the lead, Heidenheim took the game in their stride for some time. Maximilian Breunig thought he had equalized for the hosts from a diving header but it was chalked off for offside.
The visitors put the game to bed four minutes from time when a side-footed effort from Mudryk left Muller with no chance. The goal meant that Chelsea left Germany with a 2-0 victory and reclaimed their spot at the top of the Conference League standings.
While the Blues took all three points, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile put up some questionable displays. The errors from the duo could have cost Chelsea the game if not for Flip Jorgensen between the sticks. Here is how fans reacted to their performance:
One fan wrote:
''We really have to get rid of Disasi & Badiashile.''
''Jorgensen should be starting in the epl ahead of Sanchez!!!, Disasi and Badiashile 2 hideous twins, KDH and Guiu needs to better up thier finishing, Sancho,veiga and Mudryk has been sensational. Glad we won. Now let’s feast on Villa'' @CFCFico tweeted
''Disasi and badiashile will never suceed in the football'' @CFC_AFO wrote
''My God Disasi and badiashile are lost man'' @Ismi_Ahmadd chimed in
'Why does Badiashile turn into Bateson87 every time he plays with Disasi?'' @llabsamoht queried
''Tosin isn’t bad but Badiashile and Disasi are awful. Veiga is a stud.'' @CAShadow33 opined
In his post-match press conference, Enzo Maresca gave his assessment of winger Jadon Sancho after Chelsea defeated Heidenheim. He said that Sancho is a very important player for the Blues, and his quality will be of great importance against teams playing low blocks.
The England winger hadn't featured for the west London side since October. He was not included in the matchday squad in the club’s last three matches across competitions. Maresca said (via Football London):
''I said since we start, Jadon is very important for us. He has to be fit, mentally and physically and he is going to help us a lot. Unfortunately we did not use him in the last few games but he is showing tonight how important he is. We need that quality in the last third against a low block. He is going to help us a lot.’’
Chelsea will next be in action against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday, December 1.