Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca on leaving ‘top’ Ben Chilwell out of first-team this season - ‘I feel shame’
Published 13/01/2025 at 18:06 GMT
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says he felt "shame" over the treatment of Ben Chilwell, while reiterating the England international did not fit in with his plans. The full-back has made just one appearance – in the Carabao Cup – since the Italian's arrival as manager in the summer. Elsewhere, Marseca spoke about Renato Veiga's future amid speculation of interest from Borussia Dortmund.
'I didn’t want to ruin the conversation' – Son on viral microphone clip
Video credit: TNT Sports
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca admitted he felt "shame" over the treatment of Ben Chilwell, while reiterating the England international did not fit in with his plans.
Chilwell has only featured once for Chelsea since Maresca’s arrival at Stamford Bridge last summer.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s encounter with Bournemouth on Tuesday, which will be shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+, Maresca admitted he had sympathy for the 28-year-old full-back.
"Because players want to play more so there's probably chances for them to leave," the Italian said.
"But Ben has been top. I have to say that, he has been top.
"Very professional, works hard. I feel shame because of that situation, but in terms of behaviour, he has been very good."
When asked why Chilwell was not featuring, Maresca admitted: "First of all, because it is my choice. And because I can see Malo Gusto, Reece James or Marc Cucurella doing different kinds of jobs during the game.
"I think Chilwell is a top full-back, doing that job up and down and given opportunities in the past to win titles and be in the national team, but I struggle to see Ben doing different kinds of things."
Moreover, while discussing the fit-again James, Maresca added that he was "not a fan of full-backs going up and down".
The Chelsea boss also spoke about reports linking summer signing Renato Veiga with a move to Borussia Dortmund.
The 21-year-old, who joined from FC Basel last summer, is thought to be unhappy with his playing time and position at Chelsea, having operated at left-back this term rather than his more natural centre-back.
"I'm not aware that there is an agreement for Renato," Maresca said. "Yesterday he was here working, today he will be working, so he's our player. We'll see if something happens.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/12/24/4075970-82657053-2560-1440.jpg)
'We're happy to be where we are' - Maresca on Chelsea's title hopes
Video credit: SNTV
"We bought Renato from Basel, he arrived and played well in different positions and allowed him to join the national team for the first time in his life. Even if he was not playing in his position [centre back], probably him playing for [the] international team means the position he is playing he is doing well.
"We are happy all players go to the international team, especially young players who join Chelsea; play in four or five different positions and gets the chance to play in the national team. We're very proud of that."
Stream the Gallagher Premiership and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
React to this story
Share this article
Related Topics