Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s head coach, is facing calls to adjust the attitude of Alejandro Garnacho, the club’s new signing. The Argentine winger, who joined Chelsea for £40 million from Manchester United in the summer, has had a slow start to his tenure.
Garnacho’s Performance at Chelsea
Garnacho has featured in only a third of Chelsea’s Premier League games since his signing. He has managed just one goal in seven appearances across all competitions. This underwhelming performance comes after his previous status as a promising talent at Old Trafford.
Criticism from Experts
- Oscar Ruggeri, a former Argentine defender and World Cup winner, has publicly criticized Garnacho’s demeanor.
- Ruggeri labeled him as “full of himself” and emphasized the need for him to be “brought down to earth.”
- He indicated that Garnacho’s attitude could hinder his selection for the Argentina national team, where he has only eight caps and has not received a call-up in over a year.
“He’s no better than anyone else, you’re a football player, enjoy it, but you shouldn’t be so full of yourself,” Ruggeri stated in an interview with ESPN.
Support from the Coach
Despite the criticism, Maresca has expressed satisfaction with Garnacho’s recent efforts. He acknowledged that the player is not yet at his peak physical condition since arriving from Manchester United. Maresca noted, “He is working hard every day, he is getting better and better.”
Looking Ahead
The Chelsea manager highlighted the importance of managing Garnacho’s physicality while he transitions into the team’s dynamics. Chelsea recently suffered a disappointing defeat, leaving them ninth in the Premier League standings, eight points behind leaders Arsenal.
As Chelsea prepares for their upcoming match against Tottenham, who currently sit third in the league, the focus will be on improving performances, especially from Garnacho. Maresca’s challenge will be to balance the player’s confidence with necessary humility.
