Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca has hinted at a surprising U-turn regarding one of the club’s sidelined left-backs, Ben Chilwell. While Chelsea is enjoying an impressive run of form this season under Maresca’s leadership, the manager’s squad decisions continue to draw attention. After a disappointing campaign last season under Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea has been thriving under Maresca, who has reshaped the squad by making bold and strategic calls.
In his overhaul, the Blues offloaded several key players like Raheem Sterling, who joined Arsenal on loan, and Conor Gallagher, who completed a permanent move to Atletico Madrid. Among those considered surplus to requirements was Ben Chilwell. The left-back was informed by Maresca that he was not part of the club’s plans and should seek a move elsewhere.
However, after failing to secure a transfer during the summer window, Chilwell found himself included in Chelsea’s squad for the season. With recent hints of a potential U-turn from Maresca, it appears that Chilwell could yet have a role to play in Chelsea’s campaign, despite being initially cast aside.
Maresca U-turn on Ben Chilwell
Speaking on Ben Chilwell’s prospects earlier this week, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged that as long as the English left-back remains part of the team, he will be utilized when necessary. Maresca admitted that it might have been a mistake to bluntly tell Chilwell to find a new club during the summer. However, the Italian tactician, who previously worked alongside Pep Guardiola, emphasized that all of his decisions are made with the club’s best interests in mind.
Maresca’s candid reflection on Chilwell suggests that there may still be opportunities for the defender to play a role in Chelsea’s ongoing campaign, despite the initial uncertainty about his future at Stamford Bridge.
“Yes, at the moment we need him, why not? I said it many times and I will say again that, as long as Chilly is with us, he is a Chelsea player. And if we need him, we give him a chance and minutes. We all make mistakes. Probably yes; probably no. I am here to take decisions. Sometimes they are good decisions and sometimes they are not good. The only thing I can say is that there is not any bad intention from me. It is just to see things and try to think about the best things for the club.”
It is worth noting that Ben Chilwell was an integral part of Chelsea’s squad that lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in the 2020/21 season, defeating Manchester City in the final. The 27-year-old has made a total of 107 appearances for the Blues to date and currently earns around £200,000 per week. His experience and contributions to the club’s past successes make his situation particularly interesting as Chelsea navigates through this new chapter under Enzo Maresca.
Despite being initially sidelined, Chilwell’s pedigree could still prove valuable as the season progresses, especially given his history with the club.
Chilwell is an experienced baller who certainly knows how to handle pressure, and his presence could be a real asset to Chelsea’s squad. His game sense and leadership are qualities that the whole team can capitalize on, and it seems that Enzo Maresca is starting to recognize the value Chilwell brings to the side.
It will be exciting to see whether he will be included in the squad for Chelsea’s upcoming European competition encounter against Gent, scheduled for October 4 at Stamford Bridge. His inclusion could be key as the West Londoners continue their strong run of form both domestically and in Europe.
