Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca blamed the ongoing transfer speculation on his side’s recent dip in form and expects movement in the final days of the January window.
The Blues were just two points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool in mid-December but now sit 13 points adrift after winning just one of their last seven games. Several players, including Axel Disasi, Cesare Casadei, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Joao Felix, and Christopher Nkunku, have been linked with exits, while Renato Veiga has already joined Juventus on loan.
Maresca acknowledged that the uncertainty has affected his squad, stating: “Even if they say, ‘I’m professional, I’m focused,’ in the end, if they are talking about you and different clubs, the focus is not 100 percent.”
Chelsea, currently one point behind fourth-placed Manchester City, have been linked with moves for wingers Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United) and Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich). Maresca admitted: “You can expect players to arrive and you can expect players to leave. Anything can happen.”
The 44-year-old Italian also faces a decision on his goalkeeper for Monday’s clash against West Ham. Robert Sanchez, who has struggled with high-profile errors, remains the club’s first choice, but Maresca hinted that backup Filip Jorgensen could get the nod.
“The number one choice was Robert, but we’ll see during the season. Any decision I take, I feel good about,” he added.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
