Maresca: Garnacho is not yet in optimal condition but is making progress
Chelsea's first goal against Sunderland was a positive sign. Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed Garnacho is still improving his fitness and has placed his faith in Josh Acheampong ahead of the trip to Wolverhampton in the English League Cup.
Alejandro Garnacho scored his first goal for Chelsea in the Premier League defeat to Sunderland, and Enzo Maresca's message afterward was clear: the Argentine winger is not at his best, but is improving. Ahead of the Carabao Cup fourth-round trip to Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Italian also stressed his faith in young defender Josh Acheampong.
The opening goal and a message from Enzo Maresca
Garnacho’s opener against Sunderland was a psychological milestone since his summer move from Manchester United, and while Chelsea failed to hold on to their advantage, the moment confirmed the 20-year-old’s presence in the attacking structure of his new team.
Maresca summed up his assessment in two words: patience and progress. He said: “Garna is doing very well. He is still in the process of adjusting physically, because when he came from United he was not 100%. But Garnacho is working hard every day, playing better and better and we are very happy with his current performance.”
Analysis: Garnacho's fitness and playing tempo
The key word in Maresca’s statement is “physicality”. For a winger, a sense of rhythm and stamina dictate the quality of decisive actions in the final third. The head coach’s public admission of the adjustment process suggests Chelsea are designing a suitable route, prioritizing accumulation to optimize Garnacho’s high-speed acceleration and handling.
At the same time, the first goal often unlocks confidence – which can translate into greater directness and effectiveness in transitional attacks. Maresca doesn’t want perfection straight away, but he wants to maintain his player’s current growth curve.
Josh Acheampong and the belief from the coaching bench
If Garnacho is a story of fitness, Josh Acheampong is a story of confidence. The young defender made his fourth Premier League start of the season against Sunderland – double his total from last season.
Maresca explained why he bet on the player: “I am very happy with the way Josh is developing and working every day. From the moment I arrived, I liked his style. He played 45 minutes in the first friendly in the USA and I saw clear potential. Hopefully he feels the confidence of the coaching staff. It is not easy to play in the Champions League and start in the Premier League, but we always give him confidence.”
“Not easy” here is a measure of the severity of the top level, and Acheampong is overcoming it with a training foundation, learning attitude and the support of the coaching staff.
Impact before Wolverhampton – Chelsea match in English League Cup
The fourth round of the English League Cup early Thursday morning (Vietnam time) is the next test for the rising trajectory of both Garnacho and Acheampong. For the new Argentine, the clear goal is to maintain the confidence after the first goal, continue to increase the playing volume to approach the optimal state. For the young defender, this is an opportunity to consolidate his position with a solid performance in the context of a busy schedule.
On the operational side, Maresca’s comments suggest Chelsea can continue to rotate with purpose, but with individual development tied to team results still in the thread. In cup competition, decisive moments – like Garnacho’s opener against Sunderland – can make the difference.
Selected statistics
- Garnacho scored his first goal for Chelsea against Sunderland, opening the scoring.
- Josh Acheampong made his fourth Premier League start of the season against Sunderland.
- Acheampong's appearances this season are double his total last season.
- Acheampong played 45 minutes in the first friendly in the US under Maresca.
- Chelsea visit Wolverhampton Wanderers in the fourth round of the English League Cup, early Thursday morning (Vietnam time).