Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca reveals real reason he bombed out Ben Chilwell and admits ‘shame’ over brutal axing
ENZO MARESCA has revealed the real reason he has bombed Ben Chilwell out of the Chelsea squad.
The defender has only made one appearance for the Blues this season.
Chilwell, 28, made his sole outing in the Carabao Cup and has not featured at all in the Premier League.
His lack of action has seen him linked with a move away, with both West Ham and Manchester United tipped as destinations.
Maresca spoke about Chilwell’s future before the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Tuesday evening.
The manager – who has recalled Trevoh Chalobah from Crystal Palace – admitted he felt “shame” over the situation with the 21-cap England star.
He suggested that Chilwell has “worked hard” but could leave for more game time.
He said: “Because players want to play more so there’s probably chances for them to leave.
“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.”
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Maresca also insisted that the defender is not as capable of doing as much as his other options.
He added: “First of all, because it is my choice.
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“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.”
Chilwell is not the only player who could leave Stamford Bridge this month.
Renato Veiga has been heavily linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund.
He has reportedly agreed to join the German outfit just six months into his eight-year contract with Chelsea.
However, Maresca claimed he did not know of an agreement between the two parties.
He said: “I’m not aware that there is an agreement for Renato.
“Yesterday he was here working, today he will be working, so he’s our player. We’ll see if something happens.
“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.”
Chelsea‘s recent form has seen them fall out of the title race after winning just once in their previous six Premier League games.
The club’s last victory came against Brentford on December 15, which has been followed by defeats to Ipswich and Fulham as well as draws to Everton, Crystal Palace and the Cherries.
This run of form has seen Maresca’s side drop ten points behind league leaders Liverpool and to fourth place.
Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth
CHELSEA failed to win for their fourth Prem outing in a row as they drew 2-2 with Bournemouth.
Having taken the lead through Cole Palmer, things went very wrong in the second half.
Justin Kluivert scored from the spot after a poor challenge from Moise Caicedo led to the penalty.
Antoine Semenyo then put the Cherries in front.
But up stepped Reece James to fire in a brilliant 95th minute penalty and salvage a point.
Here’s how the players rated…
Robert Sanchez – 5
His (or Enzo Maresca’s) insistence on playing the “riskiest pass in football” almost cost his side in the first half, but he wasn’t caught out on this occasion. Couldn’t do an awful lot about either of the goals, a pretty average performance.
Moises Caicedo – 3
Was solid in the first half if not a little fortunate not to be booked for a few “tactical” fouls. However, he got caught out in the second 45 and gave away a penalty through a poorly timed tackle on Semenyo. Not the kind of performance we’ve become accustomed to seeing from him as his passes too often went astray.
Josh Acheampong – 5
Made a few good blocks and tackles in the first half, but was easily beaten by Semenyo before he smashed home the goal that put Bournemouth in the lead. Looked a little inexperienced out there, but you can tell he has quality – was taken off for Tosin in the second half shortly after the goal, who you would imagine will take the starting spot going forward.
Levi Colwill – 6
Imperious in the air and across the ground in the first half. Didn’t do a lot wrong truth be told, but no clean sheet cost him a higher score.
Marc Cucurella – 6
Stepped into his tackles well and was solid throughout the game, keeping David Brooks quiet on the right for Bournemouth. Wasn’t as influential in an attacking sense as we have seen him be this season, but still did a decent job.
Romeo Lavia – 5
Dominant in midfield in the first half, and was brilliant in transition, looking like a master of his craft. Unfortunately, a second-half mistake saw him caught out which led to the Bournemouth penalty before he was then booked for a late tackle. Was taken off shortly after he was booked and replaced by Reece James.
Enzo Fernández (c) – 6
Worked well as he had done previously when given the license to roam forward, knowing he had Lavia and Caicedo behind him. Bournemouth’s midfield had no answer to him with the ball at his feet, but as for many of the Blues, he was much quieter in the second half.
Noni Madueke – 6
Arguably deserved a first-half assist after he left a defender on the floor with a mazy run from the right-hand side, but Nicolas Jackson fluffed his lines in front of goal. Continued his good work on the ball in the second half and generally created some good chances that weren’t finished.
Cole Palmer – 8
Looked like he was out to impress from the start, with a cheeky nutmeg followed by a Lampard vs Hull-esque dink early on which didn’t come off. This was all before the 12th minute where he sat interim goalkeeper Mark Travers on his backside with a fake shot before slotting home for the opening goal. He created good chances too for Jackson, but faded pretty heavily after his goal.
Jadon Sancho – 4
Two nutmegs in quick succession was the highlight of his first half, but he was pretty quiet throughout the 90 minutes.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
His first half performance would have had fans raving about how he is the second coming of Didier Drogba. But his second half reminded us of why he’s not, with two huge bites at the Cherries missed that ultimately cost his side.
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Reece James (Romeo Lavia, 56) – 8
Made the perfect comeback from his injury woes, with a rocket of a free-kick guided into the bottom right corner. Looked strong and composed on the ball after his introduction.
Tosin Adarabioyo (Josh Acheampong, 71) – 7
Brought a bit more presence and leadership to a Chelsea team that looked as though it was lacking exactly that tonight. Had a good header saved by Travers at the death, you’d imagine he will be starting against Wolves.
Joao Felix (Moises Caicedo, 80) – 6
Did really well with limited minutes on the pitch after being bought on. A tame effort on goal was saved by the Bournemouth keeper, but it was his mazy dribbling that won the free-kick that James fired home to equalise.
Pedro Neto (Noni Madueke, 80) – 5
Didn’t get long enough to properly warm into the game and Chelsea didn’t find him enough, could probably count his touches on your fingers.