COYS
Enzo Maresca has addressed the media in a pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea's Premier League clash against West Ham United at the London Stadium.
On Wesley Fofana's Situation and Social Media Activity
When asked about Wesley Fofana's recent social media activity, where images of him in a Chelsea shirt were deleted, and whether the player is happy at the club, Maresca responded: "Well, I speak with Wes every day. He's very, very happy. First of all, because he's back from the injury, he's joined all the sessions with us and he's very happy. And as I said, after the Palace game, he was on the bench just to be with us. But from tomorrow, he's with us and he can also get some minutes. So we are happy and he's happy."
Regarding Instagram specifically, he added: "Then about Instagram, as you know, unfortunately, I don't have an idea because I don't use social networks."
On fan abuse directed at Fofana and club support, Maresca said: "As I said in this moment, Wes is happy. We are happy and there is nothing to add on that. Now, I think if there is abuse, as you said, on Instagram, never is good. It's not good for Wes, it's not good for any player and it's not good for any human being in the world. But it's something that unfortunately we cannot control."
He reiterated Fofana's happiness: "I spoke with Wes every day and he is very happy. He is joining all the sessions with us. He is very happy. He was on the bench against Palace but from tomorrow he can get some minutes. We are happy and he is happy. Unfortunately I do not have any idea [about his Instagram activity]."
On Injury News and Player Availability
Addressing injuries, Maresca stated: "Romeo is still out. Benoit is still out. Wes is back and that's all." In more detail: "No, Romeo [Lavia] is still out. Benoit [Badiashile] is still out. As I said, Wes is back and that's all."
On Tosin Adarabioyo's status: "Tosin is available for tomorrow." He elaborated with a touch of surprise: "Tosin is available. He's available for tomorrow. I'm a little bit surprised because last week he was not available and the day before it said everywhere that he was not available. And now I don't know why you don't know that he's available. He's available. Because it surprised me that the last week against Palace, the day before the game, it was everywhere that he was not available. And now you don't know that he's available the day before the game [laughs]."
On Nicolas Jackson's Latest Situation
Maresca confirmed: "He is available but he is not going to be part of the squad. We have two strikers, two in that position and also something can happen before the transfer window closes." Further: "He is available but he's not going to be part of the squad because, as we already said, we have two strikers, we have two players in that position and also we know that something can happen before the transfer window closes."
When pressed if Jackson is close to leaving: "No idea, to be honest. No idea. You know already from last season that I prefer to be focused on training sessions, prepare the game and these kind of things. I don't know."
On Transfers Involving Sterling, Chilwell, Nkunku, and Others
On Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, and Christopher Nkunku: "Christo is with us but it's the same answer as Nico. The other two players are training apart looking for a solution." In detail: "Christo is with us like Nico, but it's the same answer as Nico. And the other two players, they are training apart, waiting for some solution."
Regarding potential integration if players stay post-window: "No idea. It's not the moment, to be honest. We have still, as you said, two weeks, 10 days, two weeks. But no idea also because it's difficult to plan because anything can happen."
On handling Jackson and Nkunku carefully: "We'll see. We'll see if they are going to be here. They are going to be with us, and in case they are not here, that means that they found a solution. And at the end I think it's always better if they can find a solution because I think they are going to be more happy and the club the same." Also: "We'll see. If they are going to be here, they will be with us. If not, it means they found a solution. I think it's better if they find a solution because they are going to be more happy."
On Centre-Back Search and Defensive Options
Maresca noted: "I already said we are looking for internal solutions. We will see what happens. We are trying to find a solution. I repeat again: We are looking for internal solutions and we will see if something happens."
On defensive tactics: "It is not in my mind, my view, not to play from the back. You can be a bit more direct when teams are high pressing. We used Josh [Acheampong] in the last game and we are trying to find some internal solutions and then we will see."
On Aaron Anselmino as an Option
"Aaron is training with us. He is a fantastic boy. Good player, but he needs to go and play games. He is another player waiting for a solution."
On Joao Pedro and Liam Delap Playing Together
"Joao, with us, can play in the five positions up front; winger, behind the striker. As a No.9, or behind the striker, is his best position. He can play in all the attacking positions for us."
On Getting the Team to 100%
"For sure, with more time we will be better and better. We need to adapt. We compete until the end and create chances. We will get better and better day after day."
On the West Ham Clash
"Tough game. All the Premier League games are difficult. If you remember the game at home last season was a different game for us. They defended very well - I expect exactly the same."
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