Enzo Maresca’s official debut as Chelsea manager ended in a 0-2 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, leaving the Italian tactician with much to ponder. After the match, Maresca spoke candidly about some of the decisions he made, particularly regarding player selection.
On the omission of Mykhailo Mudryk, Maresca said, “It has been difficult. Misha was one of those who deserved to start, and the same with some different players. But sometimes you have to take decisions” This decision to leave Mudryk out of the starting lineup, along with others, underscores the tough choices Maresca is already facing at the helm of Chelsea.
🔵🇺🇦 Maresca on Mudryk out vs Man City: "It has been difficult, Misha was one of those who deserved to start and same with some different players".
"But sometimes you have to take decisions…". pic.twitter.com/rk27I07xCJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2024
When asked about Carney Chukwuemeka and his future at the club, the Italian manager acknowledged the young midfielder’s potential but also expressed concerns about his injury history. “Carney is a very good player, but because of some injuries in the past… I think it’s important he plays 30 or 35 games in a row. Is he going to play that for us? I’m not sure.”
Maresca also addressed questions about Raheem Sterling, who was also left out of the starting lineup against Manchester City. “It was a tactical decision, no more than that” the head coach shared. “In the next day, we will clarify in case we need to. I’ve been clear, it’s a tactical decision.” When pressed further about his squad preferences, Maresca was blunt: “I want all 30 players but there is no space for all of them, so some have to leave.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea remains deeply involved in several complex transfer negotiations. The potential move of Conor Gallagher to Atletico Madrid, with Joao Felix possibly coming the opposite direction, is one of the key deals being discussed. Additionally, the club is in talks with Napoli to send Romelu Lukaku to Serie A while keeping a close eye on the situation of Victor Osimhen, who has been linked with a move away from the Italian club.
The latest transfer developements suggest that the Portuguese attacker will undergo medical tests in London today and sign a contract until 2030, beginning his 2nd spell at Chelsea.