Christopher Nkunku has scored six goals in all competitions this season but has started only one league match.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca wants honesty to be the glue to keep the squad united ahead of the end-season run-in, which kicks off against Brighton. Elsewhere, Maresca chose in-form Nicolas Jackson ahead of Christopher Nkunku, who scored his first Chelsea hat-trick, as the man to spearhead Chelsea's Carabao Cup demolition of Barrow. Maresca broke with the sparring talk with refreshing candor as he explained how he communicated with players like Nkunku, who has found himself on the bench more often than he would like.
"I'm honest with Nico and all the players," he said. "From day one, I've made it clear that we can't field seven or eight attacking players without compromising our defensive balance." It would seem his tactics were working, based on what Jackson achieved, including two goals and an assist in West Ham, which ended 3-0. The Italian manager's transparent style is what gives the feeling of a team of athletes. The manager allows the playing time and the fighting for spots to become openly discussed, which means the players will always be motivated and on their toes. "At this moment, Nico played last time in the Premier League and scored two goals, while Christopher scored three the other day. Competition is healthy and it's important they push each other," he said.
Aside from the front line, Maresca highlighted the contribution of Cucurella, who has been a regular starter this season. Signed from Brighton for GBP 62 million in 2022, Cucurella has proved his justification in the games, showing flexibility both at defense and offense; effort and communication on the pitch are added qualities. "Marc is very important; he has qualities that are sometimes hard to find in players," Maresca commented. "He's making those around him better. When you have five or six players like him in the team, it's vital for success."
Chelsea welcome Brighton to Stamford Bridge on an undefeated run, and Maresca's men have a test in their hands. They might add four victories in all competitions if they can beat Bournemouth and West Ham in their last two league matches. "We are confident about this match, but our rivals have been impressive under the young manager, Fabian Hurzeler," the manager claimed.
At 31, Hurzeler is also the youngest manager to take charge of a Premier League team full-time; Maresca has big words for his counterpart. "He's doing a fantastic job. I watched some of his games last year at St. Pauli, and you can see his vision clearly," Maresca noted. "Continuity helps, especially when the previous manager had a similar approach. Roberto De Zerbi was there and Hurzeler built on that foundation, which impressed."
With the game just around the corner, Chelsea is getting into full hurrah to earn another three points and assure itself of its position as a potential title contender in the league. Honesty, according to Maresca, coupled with a good dose of competitive spirit among the players, seems the right recipe to go ahead as the team fights to climb up the Premier League table. The Blues' fans might look to this combination of openness and talent to repay them again on Saturday.
As the Chelsea team prepares for the encounter, all attention will be drawn to Maresca's tactical sense and the players' commitment to the cause as they seek to ensure another victory against a great opponent. The lively atmosphere at Stamford Bridge promises to add to excitement as they show their intention to go further in the competition.
