August 16th 2024.
Enzo Maresca, the manager of Chelsea, is determined to make some changes to his squad before the transfer window closes. The team has been busy with various deals, and there may be more to come in the next few days.
One player who has caught Maresca's attention is Ben Chilwell. The England international has been struggling to find a place in the squad, and the manager believes it would be best for him to leave the club. Chilwell has been dealing with injuries over the past four years, and he has only made 70 Premier League appearances during that time. Maresca acknowledges that he likes the full-back, but with such a large squad, it's been difficult to find a spot for him.
During a recent pre-season friendly against Inter, Chilwell did not play, and Maresca explains that this was due to his struggles to find the right position in the team. The manager understands that all players want to play, but with a squad of 22 players, it's impossible to give everyone the minutes they desire. Maresca wants what's best for both Chilwell and the team, and he believes it may be better for the player to leave and find more playing time elsewhere.
Currently, Chelsea's first team squad consists of a whopping 43 players, which Maresca admits is far too many. During their time in America, the team had 28 or 29 players, which was a manageable number. However, with players who are not part of the squad and are training separately, the situation becomes more complicated. The manager realizes that having such a large squad is not ideal and is actively looking to trim it down before the transfer window closes.
As Chelsea prepares for their first Premier League game against Manchester City, Maresca is eager to make some final decisions on the squad. He knows that the upcoming season will be challenging, and having a bloated squad will only add to the difficulties. The manager is determined to do what is best for the team and the players, and he hopes to see positive changes in the coming days. Fans can stay updated on all the latest news, exclusives, and analysis by signing up for Chelsea's newsletter.
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