Jadon Sancho has often been accused of immaturity in his career, but he seems to be making a really concerted effort to shed that image since his move to Chelsea, and that’s evident in his words as well as his actions.
Perhaps sensing that this is his last shot at the big time after a long struggle at Manchester United, Sancho is really trying to show he’s grown up. His words about leadership in a chat with the Chelsea official website also reveal some interesting things about how the dressing room structure works:
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Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho preparing for a game. Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Jadon Sancho celebrates his first Chelsea goal. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Jadon Sancho chatting on Sky Sports.
“We’re all kind of leaders, because we all have different attributes to help each other, but the leading voice is definitely the manager. The manager is the voice of the whole team and whatever he says goes. We all buy into that,” Sancho explained.
“He understands us and always gives us advice about what to do in our position and how to help each other out. All the players trust him and believe in him. It’s always nice to feel supported, but he’s played the game as well so has a lot to offer and give advice on, about what to do and not do.”
The fact that Maresca is a former player who related to this generation is clearly quite significant – Sancho isn’t the first Blue to mention it.
Jadon Sancho wraps on with his right foot against Spurs. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Jadon Sancho wraps on with his right foot against Spurs. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Chelsea spread responsibility around in young team
While it’s great to have players who take responsibility and provide their own leadership (we basically won the 2012 Champions League using that model), ultimately this is probably the healthy way to avoid cliques and player power – having the manager as the central font of leadership, with every individual player then doing their part beneath him.