Joao Felix has delivered a clear statement to Enzo Maresca ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming match against Leicester City.
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After joining Chelsea permanently from Atletico Madrid for £45 million during the summer, following a five-month loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season, the 25-year-old has faced challenges in securing a consistent starting position. ..Continue Reading
The intense competition in Maresca’s attacking lineup has limited his opportunities. This season, Felix has featured in only two Premier League matches as a substitute.
However, he has been more impactful in other competitions, scoring four goals in three Conference League appearances and starting both Carabao Cup games.
Maresca has emphasized the importance of maintaining balance in Chelsea’s attack.
Following his goal in Portugal’s 1-1 Nations League draw with Croatia on Monday, Felix expressed his preference for playing in a central role within the team.
‘I think where I can perform best is in the central area of the pitch, something I haven’t played in the last four years,’ Felix told Sport TV.
‘Whether as a false nine, a No.10, a second striker, I think that’s where I can help the team the most, where I can contribute the most to the game and I think you could see that in the first half.’
Asked whether this will be a ‘season of affirmation’ at Chelsea, Felix said: ‘I don’t know, I can’t predict the future.
‘I always try to do my best, I work for that. I’m a professional so I can be at my best. And if it’s this season, or next season, in two years, three or ten… I don’t know. But it will happen one day.’
Speaking about Felix’s lack of minutes in the Premier League, Maresca said: ‘I feel a shame for Joao and I would like to give him more minutes in the Premier League but we need defensive balance and we cannot play with Joao, Cole [Palmer], Christo [Nkunku.
‘I’d like to put all of them on the pitch but then you need to defend, and you need the right balance. I don’t have any doubts that if Joao keeps working well, he will find his moment in the Premier League.’
