Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has addressed concerns about selfish play in his squad, shifting the spotlight from Christopher Nkunku to Carney Chukwuemeka after the team’s 3-1 win over FC Astana in the UEFA Europa League.
While Nkunku was previously criticized by fans for allegedly being too self-centered on the pitch, Maresca defended the French forward and redirected attention to Chukwuemeka’s performance during the match.
Maresca, who has emphasized the importance of unity and teamwork since taking over as manager, openly criticized Chukwuemeka for his decision-making and lack of teamwork during key moments of the game.
The 20-year-old midfielder was actively involved in Chelsea’s attacking plays but repeatedly opted for individual efforts rather than passing to better-positioned teammates, which Maresca identified as a critical issue.
“Nkunku works tirelessly for the team, and I have no doubts about his commitment,” Maresca clarified in his post-match comments. “The real issue tonight wasn’t with him but with someone else.” His frustration centered on Chukwuemeka, whom he accused of missing opportunities to contribute more effectively to the team’s performance.
“He had chances to deliver crucial assists and even score goals,” Maresca explained. “But his lack of team focus let us down. In situations like these, selflessness is key. When it’s missing, substitutions become necessary.”
Although Chelsea secured their place in the Europa League knockout stages, Maresca emphasized that the match could have been won more comfortably if Chukwuemeka had prioritized teamwork. He reiterated his philosophy that the success of the team must always come first. “Individual brilliance is important,” he said, “but only when it benefits the collective effort. If it doesn’t, changes will have to be made.”
Despite his criticism, Maresca acknowledged Chukwuemeka’s potential and expressed optimism about his development. “Carney is a talented player with a lot of promise,” he said. “Mistakes are part of the learning process, but he needs to understand that selfishness has no place in this team. He must grow and embrace the ethos of putting the team first.”
Maresca’s comments have sparked a debate among Chelsea fans, with some supporting his firm approach to discipline and others suggesting that such issues should be addressed privately. As Chelsea continues to navigate domestic and European competitions, players like Chukwuemeka face growing pressure to adapt to the team-first philosophy and prove their readiness to contribute to the club’s long-term success.
