'Jadon Sancho just needs some love': Chelsea boss Maresca after ...

Jadon Sancho impressed on his Chelsea debut, assisting the winning goal against Bournemouth. Boss Enzo Maresca praised the winger's performance, predicting more brilliance ahead as Sancho settles into his new role following his loan from Manchester United.

Sancho assisted Nkunku for Cheslea's win. (Photo: Reuters)

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca heaped praise on Jadon Sancho after his match-winning debut performance against Bournemouth on September 15. Since joining Chelsea on loan from Manchester United, where he had fallen out of favor with manager Erik ten Hag, there was significant anticipation surrounding the 24-year-old winger’s debut.

Sancho lived up to the hype, delivering an impactful performance after coming on at the start of the second half. He assisted the winning goal, scored by fellow substitute Christopher Nkunku, securing a crucial victory for Chelsea. In the post-match press conference, Maresca expressed his satisfaction with Sancho’s performance, acknowledging that the club had expected nothing less than brilliance from the winger.

"I don't see problems around Jadon [Sancho], around Joao [Felix], I don't see anything negative to be honest...I have the feeling Jadon needs love," Maresca told Sky Sports.

"Jadon is a very good player and I knew, because I know him, that he is a very good player and can help us. Now all the noise around him, I don't care. With us he's very polite, training well on and off the ball. We are happy for him," Maresca added

Maresca also predicted that more standout performances from Sancho would follow, indicating that the player had found a new lease of life at Stamford Bridge.

"He [Sancho] did exactly what we expected from him..."We were creating chances and we needed just a bit more quality from inside the box and he [Sancho] did that," Maresca added.

Sancho, full of gratitude, thanked Chelsea and praised the support he received from his new teammates. His debut not only marked a fresh start for the player but also showcased his ability to be a key contributor to Chelsea’s success this season.

"First of all, it is amazing to make my debut for Chelsea..." Just being back playing I'm very grateful. The team played very well and we are happy with the three points," Sancho told Sky Sports.

"I've been working hard for this moment and I'm just happy that I got my chance. I had a great end to last season being in the Champions League final. I'm just happy to make my debut for Chelsea," Sancho added.

Having played in the UEFA Champions League final last year with Borussia Dortmund, where he spent a season on loan, Sancho will be eager to replicate that success at Chelsea. With an obligation-to-buy clause included in his loan agreement, Manchester United, who originally signed him for seventy-three million pounds, could face a significant loss if he makes a permanent switch to Chelsea at the end of the season.