Why Alejandro Garnacho was heard screaming before role in Chelsea’s opener vs Benfica

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Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night to take on Chelsea with Benfica.

Before the match, Jose Mourinho praised Pedro Neto, hailing his compatriot as one of the best wide men in the world.

It was another Chelsea winger, though, who helped the Blues get off to a good start to the game after Alejandro Garnacho‘s cross resulted in Richard Rios scoring an own goal.

It was Garnacho’s second start for Chelsea since his arrival from Manchester United in the last transfer window.

• READ MORE: Wesley Fofana shares how Alejandro Garnacho is really settling in behind the scenes at Chelsea

Alejandro Garnacho was desperate for the ball on the left flank

At United, Garnacho proved to be a confident winger, never being afraid to be direct.

During the first half of Chelsea’s Champions League clash against Benfica, the winger wanted to do exactly the same thing.

He was heard constantly screaming for the ball on the left flank, which was picked up by Sky Sports reporter Dan Long.

Reporting on the game from Stamford Bridge, Long shared: “Garnacho is looking alert and is screaming for the ball whenever he finds himself free out on the left.”

With Cole Palmer out injured, Enzo Maresca really needs the likes of Garnacho and Neto at their best.

Palmer is expected to be back after the international break in a boost to Chelsea.

Enzo Maresca has no worries about Alejandro Garnacho playing in the Champions League

Garnacho is still just 21 years of age, but the Argentina international has experience playing in the Champions League from his time at United. As a result, Maresca has no concerns about him at this level.

When Maresca spoke about Garnacho before the game, he said: “We have Garnacho or [Jamie] Gittens. They are all players who, even if they are young, they already played in this competition.”

While Garnacho got a start on Tuesday night, Gittens was once again left on the bench after a difficult start to life in west London.

Before Chelsea’s match against Benfica, Mourinho discussed Todd Boehly and his and the club’s decision to put their trust in Maresca.

Despite their Premier League campaign not going to plan, Maresca’s job at Stamford Bridge is not thought to be in any danger. The next game he will oversee will be Chelsea versus Liverpool.