Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has called for patience regarding summer loan signing Facundo Buonanotte, whose involvement with the first team has drastically reduced in recent weeks.
Buonanotte's Chelsea stint on hold
The 20-year-old Argentine attacker joined the Blues from Brighton in a £2 million loan deal this past summer, following an impressive spell at Leicester City. However, his playing time has evaporated since November 5, when he featured in a 2-2 draw against Qarabag. His last Premier League appearance dates back to September.
Maresca attributed Buonanotte's initial run of games to injuries within the squad. "He played many games at the beginning because Cole [Palmer] was injured, Liam was injured, so we had more space for him," the Italian explained ahead of Chelsea's weekend fixture against Bournemouth.
With key players now returning to full fitness, competition for places has intensified. "There is not any reason, the reason why is because we have players in this position that are back," Maresca stated, while affirming that "Facu is working well" in training.
Managing the Estevao phenomenon
Maresca also addressed the situation surrounding Chelsea's highly-touted 18-year-old Brazilian winger, Estevao. The teenager, who joined from Palmeiras, was substituted at half-time during Wednesday's 3-1 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road after receiving a yellow card.
The manager dismissed the notion that Leeds had specifically targeted the young star, suggesting instead that the intense atmosphere of certain Premier League grounds was a new experience. "Probably the English players, they know Leeds and how it is. Leeds, Newcastle, Liverpool; they are all stadiums that are a bit different in terms of environment," Maresca said.
He emphasised a careful, long-term approach to Estevao's development, despite his obvious talent and the team's recent need for creativity. "With (Estevao), the situation to put him always on the pitch – play, play, play – sometimes we need to manage him a little bit," Maresca explained, framing the Leeds experience as a "welcome to the Premier League" moment for the youngster.
Patience the key for squad members
The core message from Maresca revolves around squad management and patience. For Buonanotte, it is about waiting for his chance as the pecking order shifts throughout a demanding season. For Estevao, it is about protecting a prodigious talent from burnout and overexposure.
Chelsea's strategy appears to balance immediate results with long-term investment in their young assets, a challenging tightrope for any manager in the competitive Premier League landscape.
