Enzo Maresca’s Commitment to Josh Acheampong
Enzo Maresca, the head coach at Chelsea, has expressed a strong desire for Josh Acheampong to continue his journey with the club next season, dismissing rumors linking the young defender to a potential transfer. Both Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United have shown interest in the 19-year-old, who showcased his talent with 12 appearances for Chelsea across various competitions last season, including a notable start in their recent FIFA Club World Cup victory over ES Tunis.
Insider Insights on Acheampong’s Future
Amidst these speculations, insiders reveal that Chelsea is not considering any sale of Acheampong this summer, asserting that he remains an integral part of the club’s future direction. During a press conference prior to the Club World Cup’s round-of-16 match against Benfica in Charlotte, Maresca reinforced his commitment to Acheampong, stating:
“The clubs you mentioned have an eye on Josh, and rightfully so. However, we also deeply appreciate his potential. I envision Josh as a future top defender for us. It’s crucial for him to seize the right opportunities. With a plethora of young, talented defenders in our squad, the most beneficial plan for Josh is his continued development here, and I am thrilled at the prospect of him staying.”
Nurturing Young Talent: Andrey Santos
In addition to Acheampong, Maresca is also focused on nurturing the growth of Andrey Santos. Santos made his competitive debut against ES Tunis after being on the bench for the previous matches in the Club World Cup. Maresca stated:
“Andrey has been integrating well with the team. He had a solid season, and while adapting takes time, he’s showing promising progress. I see him fitting into a role similar to Enzo (Fernández) in our setup rather than those occupied by Moi (Caicedo) or Romeo (Lavia). With this tournament in mind, we must also strategize for next season in the Premier League, where physicality is critical. So, currently, I picture Andrey more as an attacking midfielder than in a defensive capacity.”
