“The message for them was clear” - Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca shares what he demanded from Sancho and Felix before their Stamford Bridge switch
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has shared what he told Jadon Sancho and Joao Felix before signing them this summer. He laid down the law, saying that they need to work properly if they are to play for the club.
The Blues signed Jadon Sancho on Deadline Day from Manchester United on a season-long loan deal with an obligation to sign. They also brought in Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid for a reported initial fee of €52 million. He's already scored one goal in two appearances for them this season.
Ahead of Chelsea's Premier League clash at Bournemouth on September 14, Enzo Maresca shared what he told Sancho and Felix in the summer. He said (via Fabrizio Romano):
“I spoke with Sancho and Joao Felix when they joined and I told them: if you come here and don’t work properly, then you’re not going to play.
“Before they arrived the message for them was clear.”
Felix has already played for the Blues, having spent six months on loan in 2023. He scored four goals in 20 games for them back then.
Sancho, meanwhile, will look to have a new start after a topsy-turvy spell at Manchester United. He scored 12 goals and provided six assists in 83 appearances for them in three years. He also had a falling out with manager Erik ten Hag and spent six months on loan at Borussia Dortmund last season.
Enzo Maresca provides Chelsea's injury update ahead of Bournemouth clash
The Blues are set to be without Reece James, Malo Gusto, and Romeo Lavia for their Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Saturday. Enzo Maresca said ahead of their trip to the Vitality Stadium (via Chelseafc.com):
"Malo is still out and he is not available for tomorrow’s game. Romeo looks very close [to returning], hopefully for the next game. Unfortunately, Reece needs more time."
James has yet to make an appearance this season while Gusto has made four appearances so far. Lavia, meanwhile, featured in their first two games of the season but has been out since.
Maresca was also asked about Cole Palmer's fitness as he withdrew from England's camp during this month's international duty. The Italian manager said:
"He is fit, fine and we are happy with the way he is."
Palmer has started the season brilliantly, scoring one goal and providing four assists in five games across competitions. Chelsea, meanwhile, have won one, lost one, and drawn one of their three Premier League games so far.