Questions were asked of Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca following their recent defeat against Manchester United, with supporters not agreeing with his treatment of one player in particular.
The 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford was marred by an early red card for Robert Sanchez, as well as Maresca’s substitutions that nullified their attacking threat for the rest of the game.
The boss started Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah together at the back, however introduced Tosin Adarabioyo to the fray just eight minutes into the game.
Tosin and Chalobah in particular have played a large amount of minutes for Chelsea so far this season, with there being very few opportunities for Josh Acheampong to make his mark.
Chelsea fans accuse Enzo Maresca of ‘self-sabotage’ involving Josh Acheampong
The youngster started the first game of the season against Crystal Palace, and Acheampong impressed in a fierce battle with Jean-Philippe Mateta, but is yet to make an appearance since.
Chelsea fans have questioned Maresca’s management of the youngster, with some believing the boss is ‘self-sabotaging’ by not featuring him more.
One user said: “Josh Acheampong was Man of the Match against Palace, won 11 from 14 duels against Mateta. But hasn’t seen a single minute at all after this performance, Maresca is self sabotaging now. He says he loves him, but this man is turning out to be a real liar.”
Another added: “Whatever you say about the centre back situation it’s worth noting that Josh Acheampong hasn’t played a single minute of football since the first game of the season. How you can watch what’s been happening since and still not even use him is insane to me.”
A third claimed: “Josh Acheampong the only player this season to have to deal with Eze & Mateta. Keep a clean sheet to not be seen again. All whilst Maresca butchers team selections to make our defence look worse. It’s unacceptable and can you blame anyone starting to doubt the manager?”
Another user stated: “Trev Chalobah can’t start another game ahead of Josh Acheampong ever He looks genuinely lost out there.”
Finally, one user said: “Should have started Josh Acheampong. If seniors are gonna make mistakes then you might as well let him.”
Chelsea will have very real worries about Acheampong
Despite him signing a new contract with the club within the last 12 months, it has not had a major impact in the amount of playing time he has received.
Acheampong has been watched by top clubs in Europe due to his immense potential, and Chelsea would surely regret it if they saw him starring for another big side.
It was reported before this season that Maresca had made Acheampong promises over his gametime this season, however it doesn’t seem as if this has been fufilled yet.
It is expected that he will start against Lincoln in the EFL Cup, however he will be looking for more meaningful minutes to come his way soon.
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