Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has aimed a slight dig at Manchester United following Alejandro Garnacho’s masterclass in the win over Wolves, saying the player lacked fitness upon arrival.
According to Goal.com reporting, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has taken a thinly-veiled swipe at Manchester United, claiming the Old Trafford club was responsible for the physical condition of forward Alejandro Garnacho when he arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Argentine completed a reported £40 million move to West London after being exiled from United’s first-team, often referred to as the ‘bomb squad,’ by former manager Ruben Amorim.
Maresca pointedly noted that the forward was not at full fitness upon joining the Blues, a factor which has influenced his careful management of the player’s minutes.
The Chelsea boss stated: “Garna is doing well. Garna is another player who we are trying to manage him a little bit physically, because he arrived here from United not 100% in his physical condition.
He is working hard every day, he is getting better and better, and in this moment we are happy with the way he is playing.”
Garnacho has recently begun to flourish under Maresca, proving instrumental in the team’s recent resurgence, including a brace of assists in the comprehensive 3-0 Premier League victory over Wolves.
The 21-year-old, who has also scored for the Blues in the Champions League, is now regularly featuring in the starting lineup and slowly regaining his form.
Despite the winger’s progress, Maresca has stressed the importance of the player continuing to listen to the ‘main message,’ which demands high effort both on and off the ball, ensuring he remains a consistent fixture in the squad.