Maresca urges Jadon Sancho to take his chances at Chelsea | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca urged Jadon Sancho to make the most of the playing opportunities he is given ahead of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle.

Sancho, who is on loan from Manchester United, was repeatedly excluded from recently-sacked Erik ten Hag’s side, resulting in him going on loan to Borussia Dortmund last season, and Chelsea this year.

The 24-year-old missed out on Chelsea’s last two fixtures, but Maresca praised Sancho’s contribution to the team since joining, while encouraging him to take the chances he is given.

Maresca said: “Because of the amount of games, he [Sancho] is going to play many games and the only thing he has to do is to continue to work hard. When we give him the chance, take it.

“Jadon has been doing well since he arrived with us. For sure, he cannot maintain the same level all season because the amount of games is huge.

“So the last two games he didn’t play, not for any different reason, but just for a tactical and technical decision – no more than that”

This will be the second time in four days The Blues take on The Magpies, after Sunday’s match at Stamford Bridge ended 2-1 to Chelsea, thanks to Cole Palmer’s winner.

Palmer was also instrumental to Chelsea’s first goal and with seven goals and five assists already under his belt this season, the 22-year-old continues to be a huge part of Chelsea’s success.

“I am very pleased [with Cole Palmer], especially because I can see him enjoying,” Maresca added. “That is the most important thing that they can enjoy playing football. This is the first thing and then you can see he is continuing to improve; no matter which position he is playing.

“The other day, he was playing in a different position in a different part of the pitch and he did fantastic. Again, it’s more or less similar to Jadon: they have to work hard and enjoy, they decide to be football players, to be happy and enjoy that moment. They just have to continue doing that.”

The Blues boss also praised captain Reece James, who is back from injury.

Maresca added: “He played two Premier League games in a row with us – Liverpool and Newcastle – in both games he was very good.

“It didn’t surprise me because I know how good he is. It is so important for us, for Reece, for the club; the only thing we want is to keep him fit and this is the main target.”