Enzo Maresca picks out two big-money flops as Chelsea boss lays down challenge

Chelsea’s Italian manager wants Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku to step up and prove why they should be pressing their way into his starting lineup, with Cole Palmer resting in the UEFA Conference League.

Enzo Maresca has challenged big-money acquisitions Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku to utilize Europe’s third-tier tournament to prove they deserve to play in the Premier League.

Cole Palmer, the league’s top scorer, is among those left out of the UEFA Conference League team for the group stages, which begin on Thursday against KAA Gent. Chelsea remain strong favourites to win the trophy and become the first team to win all three European crowns.

The £88 million signing Mudryk has only started one Premier League game this season and was replaced at half-time against Wolves. The Ukrainian’s most recent start was a stronger performance in the Carabao Cup against Barrow, where £52 million signing Nkunku scored a hat trick.

However, with the Blues in fourth position in the Premier League following three straight victories, the Italian head coach stated: “They all want to play from the start, but it’s not always feasible. You need to make some decisions. Mykhailo outperformed Barrow. I don’t think he lacks confidence. He has to improve certain areas, like the rest, but we are pleased with how he is working.

“Hopefully he’ll have a fantastic game tomorrow (Thursday), but it’s not all about Misha.

“We can say the same about Christopher Nkunku. We signed him as a major player. He is currently not playing in the Premier League, but in football, things change quickly. So, just because Misha, Christopher, and other players aren’t starting in the Premier League doesn’t mean they won’t start in the following game or two.

“Right now, this is the scenario. This does not indicate that it will continue to be this way throughout the season. The only thing we ask is that they offer everything when given an opportunity – five minutes, ten minutes, or half an hour.”

Maresca stated that there are presently two separate teams for the Premier League and the Cup. But he argued, “In general, things will not be like this. We attempt to offer them an opportunity.”

Chelsea has left out Palmer, Wesley Fofan, and Romeo Lavia for the group stages, although a fresh squad list may be presented for the knockout phases, which begin in February. The England international, who scored all four goals against Brighton on Saturday, came off the bench in the August qualifier against Servette to lead Chelsea to victory.

When asked if Chelsea needed to prove they weren’t overly reliant on Palmer, Maresca answered, “No. It’s not about dependency. We’ve already played several games without Cole. Cole is unquestionably an asset to any squad in the world, including ours.

“But we also have to safeguard some guys. They require that. It isn’t because we want to protect Cole, Lavia, or Fofana; it’s for a purpose. I believe Cole need that.”

The former Leicester City manager was as forthright when asked if he regretted leaving Ben Chilwell out of his Conference League side, simply saying, “No.”