Enzo Maresca sends message to Chelsea players and fans amid Nico Jackson controversy
Enzo Maresca has taken to social media to thank the Blues’ players and supporters amid controversy around striker Nicolas Jackson.
Maresca has led Chelsea to progression from their group at the Club World Cup after a successful season in which they won the Conference League and achieved Champions League qualification.
The Blues were drawn in a group with Flamengo, LAFC and ES Tunis for the tournament in the USA, and despite a loss to the former, they progressed with relative ease as they beat the latter 3-0 on Wednesday (June 25).
Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap and Tyrique George saw Chelsea emerge victorious in Philadelphia, but Nicolas Jackson was banned for the third group game after being sent-off against Flamengo.
Maresca has brought Delap in from Ipswich Town to compete with the Senegal international for his starting striker spot, and former scout Mick Brown recently revealed to Football Insider that Chelsea are ready to accept offers for Jackson this summer amid impatience around his performances.
Maresca delivers ‘thank you’ message to Chelsea fans
Jackson’s dismissal initially earned him a one-game ban, but that was extended to two matches on Tuesday (24 June) after a “Fifa disciplinary committee reviewed the incident” and it was deemed “serious foul play.” (BBC)
Maresca has ploughed on without the 24-year-old for now, and he named Delap in the starting line-up against ES Tunis, which paid off as he netted his first goal for the club in their 3-0 win.
The Italian head-coach took to Instagram after the game to react to their victory and give thanks to his Blues players and their supporters, saying: “A big thank you to the players for the effort made in this group. A big thank you also to all our fans all over the world. To the next round” with a blue heart emoji.
Maresca looks set to stay in charge as Chelsea make major transfer moves this summer
Football Insider verdict
Chelsea’s Champions League qualification was a “life-saver” for Enzo Maresca and his job at Stamford Bridge, as recently revealed to Football Insider by former chief Keith Wyness.
The former Leicester boss looks set to continue with the West London outfit for now, and continued success in the form of a Club World Cup trophy next month would also surely further consolidate his position at the club.
The Blues are backing Maresca this summer, with Delap, Essugo and Quenda already signed, while Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens looks set to join Chelsea soon.
Chelsea are also set to sign another forward this summer with Christopher Nkunku on his way out, as revealed by Football Insider, while Maresca is also interested in a move for wantaway Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho.
The Italian head-coach is clearly not under any immediate pressure at Stamford Bridge, but he will want to resolve his striker situation before the new Premier League season begins, with Delap and Jackson both likely to want to be handed consistent starting berths.