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Enzo Maresca admits ‘special’ Chelsea player has not played in the last two games for ‘tactical’ reasons

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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has not been afraid to be pretty ruthless with his comments since taking over at the club.

Coming in to a bloated squad that was still being added to through the summer transfer window, many have been left impressed with how he has handled what could have been seen as awkward situations.

Maresca has remained pretty consistent with his starting side in the Premier League this season, rewarding those who have been performing at a high level.

However, he did bring in Pedro Neto at the weekend for the victory over Newcastle. Chelsea fans were very impressed by Neto’s showing.

Chelsea Training and Press Conference
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Enzo Maresca says he dropped Jadon Sancho for tactical reasons

He came in on the left-wing in place of Jadon Sancho, who had started the majority of the season following his deadline day move from Manchester United.

Maresca has now admitted that despite the strong start to life the England international has had at Stamford Bridge, he did not feature in the last two games due to tactical reasons.

He said to Football London: “Jadon is doing well. For sure, players can not maintain the same level all season because the amount of games is huge. The last two games he didn’t play because of a tactical decision; no more than that. For sure, he will play many games.”

Sancho also fighting with Mykhailo Mudryk for left-wing

There is plenty of competition for places in that left wing position. Many would believe it is not actually Neto’s strongest side of the pitch.

The cup competitions have shown Mykhailo Mudryk is going about his business very well, with him finding the net during the Conference League last week.

He was used off the bench at the weekend ahead of Sancho, with his pace likely the reason he was called upon.

It remains to be seen if either, or both, start against the same opposition tomorrow night in the Carabao Cup, and try and take their chance to prove they should be back in the Premier League side.