Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has remained tight-lipped about Jadon Sancho’s future, hinting that the winger needs to improve his performances.
The 25-year-old joined Chelsea on loan from Manchester United, with a £25 million obligation to buy. However, reports suggest there is a £5 million penalty if the Blues decide not to sign him permanently.
Sancho appeared to have found a new lease of life when he first arrived, but he has since returned to struggling, scoring just twice in 29 games and currently on an 18-game goal drought across all competitions.
Maresca was questioned if he would keep the winger after the loan deal and he said:
“I’m completely focused on the next nine games—we have two months to go. What happens in the summer, we’ll see.”
He also admitted the winger’s form has been disappointing:
“The Jadon situation hasn’t changed. In terms of numbers, he could do better, no doubt. But it’s not just about Jadon—we have other players in the same situation.”
Maresca responds to senior team’s loss to U-21s
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Enzo Maresca is under pressure to succeed at Chelsea | IMAGO
Enzo Maresca has been blamed for Chelsea’s poor results (Credit: Imago)
Maresca also addressed reports that he refused to let some senior players have their day off after they lost 3-0 to Chelsea’s Under-21s in a training match.
The Italian coach admitted the performance did not meet his high standards but downplayed the incident.
“It was nothing serious. It’s normal for players to be more relaxed during the international break,” he said.
Chelsea host Tottenham in the Premier League on Thursday, and Maresca will be hoping his side can bounce back. The Blues, currently on 49 points, need a win to reclaim fourth place after Manchester City’s victory over Leicester City.
