Enzo Maresca says Marc Guiu’s application in training has impacted the teenager’s game time this season.
Guiu completed a £5million switch from Barcelona last year in an attempt to cherry pick the best young talents from around the world.
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He secured a loan switch to Sunderland in August but was quickly recalled before the end of the transfer window after playing just three times for the promoted side.
Guiu has featured since his return to Stamford Bridge with his first appearance coming in the 2-1 win over Liverpool in early October.
The Spaniard has since been utilised by Maresca in last weekend’s 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest and again in Wednesday's 5-1 thrashing of Ajax in the Champions League where he started the match and scored.
However, his omission prior to the clash with Arne Slot’s men was explained by Maresca on Friday with the Chelsea boss revealing he had a word with the teenager regarding his efforts in training.
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What did Maresca say to Guiu?
“We had a chat with Marc two weeks ago, I told him the way he was training I didn’t like and that he needs to change. He changed and he gets the chance, it’s like that,” Maresca told reporters ahead of Saturday’s clash with Sunderland.
“He was not training well, in all ways.”
Pressed on the reason why Guiu was lacking effort in training, the Italian head coach replied: “I don’t know, that’s why a young player sometimes, they are one way so you need to go slowly, slowly with them.
“But since we chat he stopped. He’s [now] fantastic and working very good.”
Asked whether Guiu was ready to start in the Premier League, Maresca added: “Absolutely yes. He’s ready to start.”
Although Guiu’s time at Sunderland was cut short, Maresca did not shut the door on the Spaniard returning to the Stadium of Light in the January window now that Liam Delap is back training after suffering a hamstring injury in August.
Marc Guiu celebrates scoring for Chelsea.
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Guiu netted Chelsea's opener in their 5-1 win over Ajax on WednesdayCredit: Getty
“Oh my god, we are in October, I don’t know,” Maresca said
“In football, things can change very quick for everyone, for players, for managers, for everyone, so it’s very difficult to say.
“Marc is a typical No 9. He is physically strong, a box player, born in ’06, he can improve and he can do many things better and we are working with him every day to help him.
“In terms of Joao Pedro, we know that he can play as a No 9 or he can play as a No 10. Probably when he has another No 9 next to him, he is playing better.”
Injury boost
Delap handed his side a huge boost on Thursday when he made his return to training alongside his teammates.
And while the striker is set to miss out against the Black Cats, Delap could be available for either the Carabao Cup clash with Wolves next Wednesday or the Premier League trip to Tottenham next weekend.
Liam Delap is closing in on a return to action after overcoming a hamstring injury
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Liam Delap is closing in on a return to action after overcoming a hamstring injuryCredit: Getty
“We don't have any new injuries,” Maresca revealed “Liam took part in the session yesterday with the team for the first time, so he's not going to be available for tomorrow's game, but probably for the next match.’