Enzo Maresca has admitted he feels “shame” about the treatment of Ben Chilwell but has reiterated that the full-back does not fit into his Chelsea plans.
Chilwell, 28, had made 70 Premier League appearances for the west London club in the four years before Maresca’s arrival but has only featured once — in the Carabao Cup — this season.
Maresca, who took over as Chelsea boss last summer, said on Monday that he sympathises with the England international.
“Because players want to play more so there’s probably chances for them to leave,” Maresca said. “But Ben has been top. I have to say that, he has been top.
“Very professional, works hard. I feel shame because of that situation but in terms of behaviour, he has been very good.”
Asked why Chilwell wasn’t featuring, the Argentine coach added: “First of all because it is my choice. And because I can see Malo Gusto, Reece James or Marc Cucurella doing different kind of jobs during the game.
“I think Chilwell is a top full-back, doing that job up and down and given opportunity in past to win titles and be in national team, but I struggle to see Ben doing different kind of things.”
Maresca said in the same news conference — when discussing the fit-again James — that he was “not a fan of full-backs going up and down.”
He also spoke about reports linking young defender Renato Veiga, 21, with a move to Borussia Dortmund. Portugal international Veiga only joined Chelsea from FC Basel last summer but is said to be unhappy with his playing time, and his position — Chelsea favouring him at left-back rather than centre-back.
“I’m not aware that there is an agreement for Renato,” Maresca said. “Yesterday he was here working, today he will be working so he’s our player. We’ll see if something happens.
“We bought Renato from Basel, he arrived and played well in different positions and allowed him to join the national team for the first time in his life. Even if he was not playing in his position [centre back], probably him playing for international team means the position he is playing he is doing well.
“We are happy all players go to the international team, especially young players who join Chelsea, play in four or five different positions and gets the chance to play in the national team. We’re very proud of that.”
Chelsea are without a win in five in the Premier League and host Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
