Enzo Maresca has shut down speculation linking Chelsea with Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, insisting he is “happy” with the forwards he currently has at his disposal.
A report in Sky Sports said the Blues were considering a move for the Argentine, who has recently lost his place in Ruben Amorim’s starting line-up in recent weeks.
Amorim refused to confirm whether the 20-year-old would remain at Old Trafford this month but Chelsea boss Maresca says Stamford Bridge is unlikely to be his destination.
Asked on the reports ahead of facing Manchester City on Sunday, the Italian said: “No, no. I’m happy with the ones we have in this moment.
“We’ve said many times on the right side, it’s Pedro [Neto] and Noni [Madueke] and left side is Jadon [Sancho].
“Misha [Mudryk] was with us and is now not with us. I think Tyrique [George] is a young profile that can help us so at this moment, we are okay.”
A trip to Etihad Stadium this weekend. 💪 pic.twitter.com/sQ5PZ7eFWZ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 23, 2025
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Maresca on Man City’s struggles: ‘Pep needs support’
City comfortably Chelsea 2-0 in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season but the duo have enjoyed contrasting fortunes since then.
The defending champions have been off the pace this term, sitting 12 points off leaders Liverpool in fifth, while a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday leaves them on the brink of elimination from the Champions League.
But Maresca, who was manager Pep Guardiola’s assistant during two spells between 2021 and 2023, is confident the Catalan tactician will restore City to their previous winning ways.
The 44-year-old said: “Pep is strong enough. Like any human being, he needs support. In the last eight or nine years, they were always on top, always winning trophies and important things.
“It is normal, it can happen. What is not happen is the amount of years they won trophies.
“What is normal is what is going on now. For sure, they will be back to many trophies soon.
“My relationship with Pep and the club is very good. I have said many times my contact is very good, I will always be grateful for the trust they showed in me.
“Any club, any moment, any players. Most clubs who have this moment, they are done, but he will be okay.”
Chelsea injury news
Maresca says talismanic forward Cole Palmer is “getting better”, having sat out chelsea’s recent FA Cup win over Morecambe, albeit he did then play against Crystal Palace and Wolves in the Premier League.
The Italian said: “He’s better. He did an unbelievable effort to play against Wolves and he’s getting better.”
On the fitness of the rest of his squad, Maresca said: “Probably Levi [Colwill] and Enzo [Fernandez] could be ready [to face Man City], it depends on today’s session.
“Romeo [Lavia] will be out for Saturday. We don’t know yet [the severity of the injury]. We need to wait a little bit more, but at least a few weeks more [he will be out].”
