“I know i make a wrong decision” – Enzo Maresca admits he made a big mistake with £50m Chelsea player
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Enzo Maresca was candid in his pre-match press conference as he touched on the topic of one particular player, Ben Chilwell. Chelsea enters the Brighton game brimming with confidence after their commanding 5-0 victory against Barrow midweek. While Brighton will pose a much tougher test, Maresca sees value in giving fringe players like Chilwell opportunities to gain minutes and build their self-belief.
Ben Chilwell’s Role Under Scrutiny
One standout moment from the Barrow match was seeing Ben Chilwell wear the captain’s armband. This came after a period where Chilwell had been separated from the first team, fueling speculation about his future. Interestingly, Maresca addressed this situation head-on during his press conference, revealing some unexpected admissions about the English defender.
Maresca Admits to Mistake with Chilwell
It’s not common for a manager to openly admit a mistake, but that’s exactly what Maresca did regarding Chilwell. The Chelsea boss acknowledged that his decision to distance Chilwell from the squad earlier in the season may not have been the right call. Speaking to the press (via Football London), Maresca explained, “We all make mistakes. I had to make a decision; sometimes they work out, and sometimes they don’t. There was no bad intention from me; it was about trying to do what’s best for the club.”
Chilwell’s Comeback Against Barrow
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Chilwell played a vital role in the Carabao Cup win over Barrow. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Chelsea may be planning to move Chilwell on during the January window, though his recent performances suggest he’s slowly working his way back into Maresca’s plans. While Maresca admitted Chilwell’s inclusion against Barrow was premeditated, his Premier League involvement remains unclear.
Competition with Cucurella
One of Chilwell’s challenges moving forward will be unseating Marc Cucurella, who has thrived under Maresca’s management this season. Given Cucurella’s current form, reclaiming his place will be no easy feat. However, considering the summer saga that nearly saw Chilwell leave for Manchester United, it’s remarkable he’s even back in the fold, proving that football can indeed take unexpected turns.
