According to Daily Post, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has highlighted the three players he cannot feature together in his starting XI: João Felix, Cole Palmer, and Christopher Nkunku.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s Conference League match against FC Noah on Thursday, Maresca explained that he is unable to field all three in the same lineup due to the need for balance in the team.
Maresca expressed his regret about not being able to provide more playing time to João Felix, stating, “I feel a shame about João, but not only about him.” He went on to explain, “I would like to give him more minutes in the Premier League but we need balance.
We cannot play with Joao, Cole and Nkunku.” Felix, who rejoined Chelsea from Atlético Madrid this year, has struggled for consistent minutes under Maresca’s management, and the manager’s comments suggest he recognizes the quality Felix brings but is constrained by tactical needs.
This decision comes in the context of Chelsea’s overall squad balance, as Maresca looks to integrate new signings while maintaining a functional team structure. Felix’s return from Atlético Madrid was met with high expectations, but despite flashes of brilliance, he has had to contend with a crowded attacking lineup. Both Palmer and Nkunku have been key figures in Chelsea’s attack, and while each player brings a unique skill set, Maresca’s tactical decisions seem to focus on ensuring cohesion and defensive solidity, which sometimes means limiting the number of attacking players with similar creative roles on the field at once.
The dilemma faced by Maresca highlights a larger issue Chelsea is working through under the guidance of their new manager. The team is in a transitional phase, with several attacking options competing for spots. Palmer, who arrived from Manchester City, has shown promise, while Nkunku has been one of Chelsea’s marquee signings. The interplay between these attacking players remains a work in progress as Maresca seeks to find the right balance between offense and defense.
Maresca will likely continue to evaluate how best to deploy his squad, especially as Felix, Palmer, and Nkunku all seek to make a significant impact.
