Maresca Defends Nkunku Amid Fan Backlash Over Poor Performances
Enzo Maresca insists Christopher Nkunku is working hard despite fans accusing the forward of showing no effort on the pitch—sparking questions over what's really going wrong.
Christopher Nkunku has come under criticism from Chelsea fans again, with many feeling that the French forward isn’t giving his best on the pitch. After another slow and quiet performance, supporters are growing frustrated with his lack of energy and impact on the pitch in their matches.
This concern has reached the media, and journalists brought up the issue with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca during his latest after match press conference. When he was asked if he felt Nkunku was not trying hard enough, Maresca replied:
“No, I don’t think it’s a lack of effort. I see Christo every day and he works well. Sometimes maybe he wants to give more in games, but struggles a bit.”
Although Maresca defended the player, his comments left fans a bit confused. If Nkunku is trying hard in training, why is that not showing during games? The 26-year-old attacker has struggled to perform well consistently since joining from RB Leipzig, and his recent performances have raised more questions than answers.
Later in the press conference, Maresca added:
“Our team was getting better and better because we tried to keep the ball and they had to run more. After 45 minutes or an hour, they could be tired. So we expected to improve in the second half. When players work hard and give everything, there is no problem.”
This last part left fans wondering, if there is “no problem” when players give their all, and yet there is a problem with Nkunku’s performance, is Maresca quietly suggesting that Nkunku did not give everything?
Despite the manager’s efforts to back his player, fans are still unconvinced. Nkunku’s talent is not in doubt, but unless he starts showing more hunger and passion during games, pressure from fans and media will only grow stronger.
