Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca discusses player pairings and game time challenges

London: Enzo Maresca has surprised many by saying that three Chelsea players may not play together often. This is surprising since they are among the highest-paid players at the club.

Maresca has been changing the lineup frequently between league and cup games. He believes that Chelsea does not have a clear ‘A or B team.’ However, players like Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Moises Caicedo have mostly played only in the Premier League.

Chelsea is doing well in the Conference League and is currently third in the Premier League. Maresca’s strategy of rotating players seems to be effective at Stamford Bridge. Joao Felix, who previously played in European matches, has recently earned a starting spot in the Premier League, playing against Leicester.

Felix can play in Palmer’s position as a number 10, but Maresca has used him on the left wing. Felix has shown he can adapt to different roles. However, Maresca mentioned that some players might not play together often in the starting lineup.

Before Chelsea’s match against Heidenheim, which they won 2-0, Maresca explained that Christo Nkunku’s best position is as a number 10. However, Cole Palmer is currently playing there, which means they won’t often play together.

Maresca noted that they need to find the right balance in the team. He said that while all players are talented and will get game time, they won’t all play in every match.

Last season, under Mauricio Pochettino, Palmer and Nkunku played together, with Palmer on the right and Nkunku behind the striker when he was fit. Maresca admitted that Nkunku is not in his best position now, as he is competing with Jackson for the number nine spot.

Maresca reflected on Nkunku’s best moments during pre-season when he played as a number 10. He mentioned that Nkunku has been playing as a number 9 and even as a winger in the first Premier League game, which is not his ideal position.

There are rumors that Nkunku might leave Chelsea in the January transfer window, with Manchester United showing interest. Chelsea is also linked with Ipswich Town’s striker Liam Delap, which could mean Nkunku’s time at Chelsea is coming to an end.

It is uncertain what the future holds for Nkunku, who hopes to get more playing time during the festive season. Chelsea will face Aston Villa in the Premier League soon, and Nkunku is eager to prove himself in the number 10 role against Heidenheim.

Both Jackson and Palmer are expected to return for the upcoming match, which may mean Nkunku will have to wait for his chance again. Chelsea has a busy schedule ahead, and Maresca’s players will have opportunities to show their skills during this busy period.

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