“It was just because…” – Maresca defends decision to drop player who “cost a lot of money” | OneFootball

One notable thing from the Chelsea team to face Fulham last weekend was the absence of Christopher Nkunku, even from the bench in that game.

After having been used time and time again by Enzo Maresca and given countless chances he didn’t really deserve, the attacker was fully dropped and replaced by Tyrique George as backup to Nicolas Jackson up top. George went on to score the equaliser to make the decision look totally justified.

Enzo Maresca has just been asked about this decision in his press conference ahead of the game against Everton tomorrow, and had the following answer about Nkunku and the dynamic with George:

“Since day one, I just tried to do my best for the club and every decision I take is thinking about the best for the club. I know Christo cost a lot of money and Ty is from the academy but I have to make these decisions.”

Maresca explains George – Nkunku decision was what it came down to

Enzo Maresca takes a Chelsea press conference. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

It sounds like, much like the rest of us, Maresca has finally reached the end of his tether with Nkunku’s listless performances. Asked about how Nkunku has been performing in training, Maresca defended his player, just as you’d expect:

“He has been good in the last week when he was out. We need to decide one or two players out and to give some of the young players a chance to be with us. It was just because of that but now he is back in the squad. He is training well. Probably in this moment, if he is in the squad, one offensive player has to be out for the Fulham game and that probably would have been Tyrique.”

He’s made the dilemma very clear to those above him who might be wanting him to put Nkunku in to protect his value – he can’t fit them both on the bench, and he wants the in-form youngster at the moment.