Enzo Maresca, the manager of Chelsea, seems to have subtly criticized Erik ten Hag’s management of Jadon Sancho in recent comments. During Saturday’s game against Bournemouth, Maresca made a key decision by bringing Sancho on at halftime, a move that significantly impacted the match. Sancho not only impressed with his performance but also set up Christopher Nkunku for the decisive goal in Chelsea’s 1-0 victory.
In reflecting on Sancho’s role, Maresca appeared to indirectly address the player’s troubled past with Manchester United under Ten Hag, a conflict that had led to Sancho’s fall from favor at his previous club. While Maresca didn’t mention Ten Hag by name, his remarks seemed to contrast his own approach to managing Sancho with how things unfolded at Manchester United.
Maresca emphasized the importance of Sancho feeling comfortable and supported, saying, “It’s vital. I believe Jadon is the kind of player who thrives with encouragement. That’s the sense I got when we spoke before he joined us. He’s eager to prove himself, but for me, it’s about enjoying the game.”
He continued, “Players are at their best when they’re happy and enjoying football. That’s when their natural talent shines the brightest.”
Before the game, Maresca had already downplayed any concerns about taking a risk in signing Sancho, indicating that he believed in the player’s ability to contribute. After the match, he reaffirmed his confidence, explaining that Chelsea’s performance had improved in the second half, largely thanks to Sancho’s contributions. “His performance was exactly what we expected,” Maresca noted.
Maresca had observed Sancho closely before his arrival at Chelsea and was confident in what the player could bring to the team. Sancho, who had been sent out on loan by Manchester United following a major fallout with Ten Hag, had been sidelined after the Dutch manager criticized his training efforts. This led to a public rift and Sancho’s eventual exclusion from United’s first team. While his loan stint at Borussia Dortmund had mixed results, Sancho now appears to be finding his form at Chelsea.
With this victory over Bournemouth, Chelsea moved up to seventh place in the Premier League standings, having secured two wins, one draw, and one loss in the early stages of the season. Maresca’s handling of Sancho, in contrast to his former treatment under Ten Hag, might just be what the player needs to reignite his career and become a key figure in Chelsea’s campaign.
