Marc Guiu scored thrice as Chelsea thrashed Shamrock Rovers
Marc Guiu scored thrice as Chelsea thrashed Shamrock Rovers (both images from Getty)
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has revealed that teenage striker Marc Guiu is unhappy despite scoring a hat-trick in their win over Shamrock Rovers. The Blues picked up a 5-1 win over the Irish club in their UEFA Europa Conference League meeting at Stamford Bridge (December 19).
Guiu was selected as part of a heavily-rotated XI from the Blues as they sought to close out the league phase of the Conference League with a win at home. The teenager, who scored twice in sub-zero conditions against Astana last week, did his job once more with a well-taken treble.
Chelsea boss Maresca was pleased with the Spain U-19 international and revealed that the 18-year-old is unhappy because of his lack of involvement. The Italian tactician revealed to the press after the match that the teenager only needs to keep working hard to get a chance.
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“Marc is a bit unhappy as Nicolas [Jackson] and Christopher [Nkunku] are doing well. When you’re a No.9 and another No.9 is doing well, it is a matter of being questioned. It is important that they work hard day by day and then they get a chance.”
Guiu joined Chelsea from Barcelona in the summer for £5 million and is the club's third-choice striker behind Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku. The teenager has made just one Premier League appearance this season, on the opening day against Manchester City. He has made the Premier League matchday squad only four times this season due to the quality of players ahead of him.
Marc Guiu has taken his chance excellently in the Conference League, where he has scored six goals in as many games. With a busy festive period ahead for the Blues, the in-form youngster may get some league minutes before the end of the year.
Marc Guiu fires Chelsea to perfect group stage record in Conference League
Spanish striker Marc Guiu helped Chelsea ensure that they emerged from the league phase of the UEFA Europa Conference League with a 100% record. The 18-year-old striker scored thrice in the first half to lead his side to a comfortable 5-1 win at home to Shamrock Rovers.
Facing an undefeated Shamrock Rovers was going to be no walk in the park for the Blues, but Guiu got them off to a perfect start with his instinctive finishing. The youngster took advantage of two defensive errors to score his first two goals of the evening. He then glanced home a header from a Noni Madueke cross to complete his hat-trick in first-half stoppage time.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Marc Cucurella were also on the scoresheet for the Blues as they achieved a 100% group stage record in Europe for the first time. There was even time for 18-year-old Harrison Murray-Campbell to make his senior debut for the Blues.