Revealed: The two reasons Marc Guiu snubbed by Chelsea as Enzo Maresca goes against ‘promise’
Enzo Maresca “doesn’t trust” Marc Guiu and that is at the heart of his lack of game time at Chelsea, a journalist who follows the club has told Football Insider.
The Blues snatched all three points at the death against Liverpool on Saturday in a match that saw a surprise first appearance of the season for Guiu.
In the drama of the last minute goal, former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider that Enzo Maresca was unfairly sent off for his goal celebrations against Liverpool.
In spite of some questionable refereeing, Hackett added that match officials are unimpressed by Alejandro Garnacho’s diving in an attempt to win a penalty against the Reds.
Against all odds, Marc Guiu‘s appearance as a late substitute for Joao Pedro has opened the door to more minutes for the player and also hinted at an imminent starting role.
Marc Guiu underutilised by Enzo Maresca despite obvious lack of striking options
Football Insider tipped Guiu to start in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Benfica in the Champions League (30 September) with the Italian manager refusing to play him once again since he was called back after just three games on-loan with Sunderland.
Maresca opted to deploy Tyrique George down the middle and he had little impact on proceedings before Pedro was brought on in the 61st minute, eventually receiving two yellow cards in just 35 minutes.
The Brazilian’s suspension means the striker spot is up for grabs in the Blues’ next European clash against Ajax on 22 October, hinting to a possible start for Guiu.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Chelsea’s Daily Mail reporter Kieran Gill provide an insight into the ex-Leicester City boss’ reluctance to play the Spaniard prior to the Reds clash.
Surprised by the former Barcelona academy graduate’s lack of game time, he said: “Truthfully, we don’t know exactly why Marc Guiu hasn’t been used.
“Enzo Maresca has promised us that he will use him; that there are plenty of minutes for him coming. But then, he hasn’t been seen, at all, other than warming the bench [before the Liverpool game].
“If they give him a single minute, he can’t then leave on loan in January, so I can only assume that’s a factor, plus Maresca doesn’t appear to entirely trust him as his striker.”
Chelsea to lose out on Kenan Yildiz as they push to recruit more attackers
Sources told Football Insider on 27 September that Man United could beat Chelsea to sign Kenan Yildiz in the upcoming transfer windows.
The Turkey international is one of the most highly rated youngsters in Europe and certainly fits the bill as a typical “Chelsea” player.
The sale of Marcus Rashford could prove to be pivotal in giving the Red Devils the necessary funds to go and land the 20-year-old, potentially giving themselves a head-start to beat the Blues to his signature.
Maresca will be frustrated by the news, especially considering the mounting injury list across the pitch despite the influx of signings in the summer.