Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca seemingly took a playful swipe at Erik ten Hag’s treatment of Jadon Sancho.
During Saturday’s match against Bournemouth, Maresca brought Sancho on at half-time, sparking an impressive performance. Sancho provided a crucial assist for Christopher Nkunku’s late winner, sealing a 1-0 victory.
While reflecting on Sancho’s performance, Maresca appeared to indirectly reference Manchester United’s Ten Hag, who had a public falling out with the player. Maresca stated, “It’s essential for Jadon to feel supported. When I spoke to him before his arrival, I sensed that he needed encouragement. 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 their football, and their quality comes out naturally.”
Before the match, Maresca had dismissed concerns about the Sancho transfer, describing it as a non-risk. Following the game, he praised Sancho’s contribution, saying, “We played better in the second half, and Jadon played a key role. His performance was exactly what we expected.”
Maresca, who had seen Sancho play previously, recognized his potential. Sancho had been loaned to Chelsea from Manchester United after a fallout with Ten Hag, who publicly criticized Sancho’s training standards, resulting in his removal from the squad. His loan spell at Borussia Dortmund was mixed, despite the team reaching the Champions League final.
Chelsea’s victory has now pushed them up to seventh in the Premier League, with two wins, one draw, and one loss so far.
