Enzo Maresca admitted he is “ashamed” for leaving Ben Chilwell out of the team but reiterated the left-back is not in his Chelsea plans.
Chilwell joined Chelsea from Leicester City in August 2020 on a five-year contract and made 107 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, while also helping them win the Champions League in 2021.
However, since Maresca arrived in west London, Chilwell has made just one appearance – a 45-minute cameo in Chelsea's 5-0 win over Barrow in the EFL Cup.
Maresca made it clear from the start of his tenure that the England international is unlikely to play for Chelsea if he remains at the club this season, but says he sympathizes with him.
“Because players want to play more, there are probably opportunities for them to leave,” Maresca said. But Ben has been great. I have to say that; he has been great.
“Very professional, works hard. I am ashamed of this situation, but in terms of behavior he has been very good.”
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When asked why Chilwell was not there, Maresca added: “First of all, because it is my choice. And because I see Malo Gusto, Reece James or Marc Cucurella doing different types of work during the match.
“I think Chilwell is a top full-back who does his job up and down and has had the opportunity to win titles and play in the national team in the past, but I struggle to see Ben doing other things. “
Chilwell is one of several Chelsea players linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, with Renato Veiga, Alex Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei all also struggling for game time.
With Christopher Nkunku also reportedly frustrated by his lack of involvement, Maresca insisted there is no way to keep everyone in his large squad happy.
“It's impossible, not playing for two months, and they won't be happy,” Maresca added. “First of all, our goal is to do the best for the club and the team, to win games.
“If we can keep the players happy, they will be happy. If they don't play, they won't be happy. If I sell all the players who are not happy, we will be left here with twelve players. Our intention is not to move players .”
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