Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirms Nkunku is happy and not for sale this January.
Nkunku has faced challenges since joining Chelsea, mainly due to injuries that affected his first season. This season, he has had limited chances to play, starting only once in the Premier League out of 11 games. Nicolas Jackson has become the main striker, while Cole Palmer has taken on a key role in midfield, which is where Maresca believes Nkunku can shine.
Recently, there were worries about Nkunku’s happiness at Chelsea, especially during the international break. Maresca addressed these concerns before a Europa Conference League match against Heidenheim. He stated that he spoke with Nkunku and confirmed that the player did not express any unhappiness.
Maresca also made it clear that Nkunku is not for sale, saying, “Absolutely yes.” This shows the club’s commitment to keeping the talented forward.
In the Europa Conference League, Nkunku has been performing well, starting all three matches and scoring four goals. This tournament has allowed him to gain valuable playing time, even if he has not been a regular in the Premier League.
Maresca explained that he does not see the need for two separate squads, emphasizing the importance of balancing the team. He mentioned that while Nkunku and other attacking players are skilled in offense, they need to work on their defensive roles as well.
Maresca’s approach focuses on balancing creativity with defensive strength. He plans to try different combinations of players, including Nkunku, Palmer, and João Félix, especially with a busy schedule in December.
He expressed his desire for Nkunku to remain with the team, stating, “I completely want Christo to stay with us; I don’t have any idea to let him leave in January.”
As Chelsea faces a tough series of matches, Nkunku’s skills and versatility will be crucial. Although his time in the Premier League has been limited, his contributions in the Europa Conference League highlight his importance to the team.
With Maresca looking to involve Nkunku more in the upcoming games, it seems that the forward’s journey at Chelsea is just beginning.
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