Enzo Maresca has ended speculation linking Chelsea with Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, insisting he is “happy” with the strikers they currently have at their disposal.
A report from Sky Sports has claimed that the Blues are considering a move for the Argentine, who recently lost his place in Ruben Amorim’s starting XI in recent weeks.
Amorim refused to confirm whether the 20-year-old would stay at Old Trafford this month, but Chelsea boss Maresca said Stamford Bridge was unlikely to be his destination.
Asked about the reports ahead of facing Manchester City on Sunday, the Italian replied: “No, no. I’m happy with the ones we have at the moment.
“We’ve said it several times on the right side, it’s Pedro [Neto] and Noni [Madueke] and the left side is Jadon [Sancho].
“Misha [Mudryk] was with us and is no longer with us. I think Tyrique [George] It’s a young profile who can help us so at the moment, everything is good.
A trip to the Etihad Stadium this weekend. 💪 pic.twitter.com/sQ5PZ7eFWZ
– Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 23, 2025
Maresca on Man City’s struggles: ‘Pep needs support’
City comfortably beat Chelsea 2-0 in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season, but the duo have enjoyed contrasting fortunes since then.
The reigning champions have been trailing this season, 12 points behind 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 for two spells between 2021 and 2023, is confident the Catalan tactician will restore City to their old victories.
The 44-year-old said: “Pep is quite strong. Like any human being, he needs support. Over the last eight or nine years, they have always been at the top, always winning trophies and important things.
“It’s normal, it can happen. What doesn’t happen is the number of years they’ve won trophies.
“What is normal is what is happening now. For sure, they will soon come back with many trophies.
“My relationship with Pep and the club is very good. I have said it several times, my contact is very good, I will always be grateful for the trust they have shown in me.
“Any club, any time, any player. Most clubs that have this moment are done, but he will be fine.
Chelsea injury news
Maresca says talismanic striker Cole Palmer is “improving”, after missing Chelsea’s recent FA Cup win over Morecambe, although he went on to play against Crystal Palace and Wolves in the Premier League.
The Italian said: “He is better. He gave an incredible effort to play against Wolves and he’s getting better.
Regarding the fitness of the rest of his team, 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 on Saturday. We don’t know yet [the severity of the injury]. We’ll have to wait a little longer, but at least a few more weeks [he will be out].”
