Enzo Maresca has admitted from his point of view it’s always sad to leave players out following Trevoh Chalobah’s omission from Chelsea’s pre-season squad.
The Blues arrived in America on Monday and Maresca faced the media for the first time since being appointed manager on Tuesday evening.
Chelsea are currently preparing for their first friendly against Wrexham on Wednesday evening and as you can imagine Maresca was pressed on a number of matters in his press conference.
Maresca speaks on Chalobah omission
The big news before the squad departed for America was the decision to not take Chalobah, who had spent two weeks training with Maresca and the first team squad at Cobham.
It’s a decision which hasn’t gone down well with supporters, and is the clearest indication yet that the club don’t see him as part of their plans moving forward.
The Italian was asked about Chalobah not being included in the squad and said it’s always sad to leave players out, but Chalobah’s situation was “quite clear.”
“From my point of view, it’s always sad to leave players out, pre-season, squad, first 11,” he told reporters.
“They work everyday for the same target. Trevoh situation is quite clear. We have Axel, Tosin, Wes, who is finally back, some young profiles.”
It’s a bitter blow for Chalobah who has come through the ranks at Chelsea to establish himself as a member of the first team, and he signed a long term contract until 2028 less than two years ago.
The 25-year-old was one of Chelsea’s best performers last season as he worked his way back into the team over the second half of the season having been injured, and was part of the reason the Blues secured a top six finish.
Reports have suggested the defender feels he’s being forced out against his will, and it’s believed he’s not in a rush to make a decision, and will only join a club with European football.
