Enzo Maresca has addressed concerns over Chelsea’s squad balance as he looks to turn a bloated squad into a successful side.
Chelsea have made a solid start under the new head coach with seven points from four games, with the West Londoners eighth in the table ahead of this weekend’s clash with West Ham at the London Stadium.
The Blues’ record-breaking spending has attracted criticism in recent transfer windows and Chelsea now boast an embarrassment of riches in attacking areas of the pitch.
Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Jadon Sancho were each signed during the summer, with fierce competition for places in the final third.
Maresca has no concerns over the minutes his players will receive this season, however, insisting it is important to have two players for each position.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, he said: “As a left wingers, we have Jadon (Sancho) and Misha (Mykhailo Mudryk). As a right wingers, we have Noni (Madueke) and Pedro (Neto). As a ten, we have Cole (Palmer) and Joao (Felix). As a nine, we have (Christopher) Nkunku and Nico (Nicolas Jackson). The squad is quite clear in terms of positions.”
Sancho ‘working hard on and off the ball’
Sancho and Nkunku are pushing for starts this weekend after the substitutes combined for the winning goal at Bournemouth last time out.
Maresca has been pleased with Sancho’s work ethic since the winger made a deadline day loan move to the club from Manchester United.
“Since he arrived here, Jadon Sancho is working hard on and off the ball.
“We use the international break to focus on him. He is doing well.”
