Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca explains why he started Malo Gusto over Ben Chilwell at left-back in pre-season loss

Add as preferred source on Google

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made a very interesting decision in his side’s 4-2 loss against Manchester City on Saturday.

Despite Ben Chilwell being fit, Enzo Maresca decided to go with right-back Malo Gusto in the left-back position instead.

Before the Blues’ defeat to City, Chilwell’s future at the club was already in doubt. Maresca claimed he couldn’t find a role for Chilwell in the team.

With a right-back now starting over him, the 27-year-old will be even more worried about his Chelsea career.

Of course, with it still being pre-season, perhaps it is too early to draw conclusions. But it is still not looking great for Chilwell.

• READ MORE: Enzo Maresca shares what he told Reece James after Man City’s second goal

Enzo Maresca on Malo Gusto and Ben Chilwell after Man City loss

Maresca’s Gusto experiment did not really work out, with Chelsea’s defence struggling as a whole against City.

It took Erling Haaland just the first five minutes of the match to score two goals before the striker eventually went on to grab his hat-trick.

Speaking to football.london about his decision to start Gusto at left-back after the game, Maresca said: “The reason why is because in this moment I need to see things. On the ball, Kiernan [Dewsbury-Hall] was in the position he used to play, as the left attacking midfielder.

“So we attacked a little bit more with Malo. But as I said, in this moment there are things I need to see for the rest of the season.”

The Frenchman has also been speaking, and Gusto is adamant that Chelsea have to win something in the new season.

Who will start at left-back in Chelsea vs Man City?

Chelsea take on City again when the Premier League resumes later this month, with Gusto almost certain to start.

However, with Reece James unavailable because of suspension, Gusto will be expected to play at right-back.

That means Chilwell could have a chance to play on the other side, but if Marc Cucurella is fit, then Maresca is likely to go with him.

Cucurella already knows how to play as an inverted full-back and was excellent at Euro 2024.

Gabriel Agbonlahor thought Cucurella was the best left-back there, and Maresca will be desperate to see more of the same at Stamford Bridge. If he does, then it will not look great for Chilwell. In fact, things already appear to be quite grim for him.