When Chelsea’s young striker Marc Guiu struck his first Champions League goal in the emphatic 5–1 win over Ajax at Stamford Bridge, it felt like a turning point. Yet behind the celebration lay a quiet reminder from Enzo Maresca about the standards required to thrive at Chelsea.
Maresca’s Demand for Higher Standards
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Guiu’s season has already been eventful. Recalled from a loan spell at Sunderland after just 26 days, his return was prompted by Liam Delap’s hamstring injury and the departures of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson. However, his early weeks back at Cobham were far from smooth.
Maresca was forthright about what he had seen. “He was not training well in all the ways. Since we chatted, he’s been fantastic. It’s good,” the Chelsea boss said. It was a rare public reminder from a manager who typically keeps internal matters behind closed doors.
His words reflected a broader message about accountability within the squad. Maresca’s approach at Chelsea has been methodical, even meticulous, with an emphasis on discipline, possession and development. In Guiu’s case, that philosophy is already bearing fruit.
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Guiu’s Growth and Tactical Importance
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The Italian coach described Guiu as “a typical No9,” underlining his belief in the teenager’s physicality and instincts inside the box. “Marc is a typical No9. He is physically strong, a box player. Again, he can improve and do many things better. We are working with him every game to try and help him,” Maresca continued.
It is clear the Chelsea manager sees something valuable in Guiu, not only as a striker but as part of the evolving tactical identity he is building. The teenager’s mix of strength, direct movement and willingness to learn aligns with Maresca’s demand for flexible, hardworking forwards.
Guiu’s opportunity has come at a pivotal time. With Delap close to returning from injury and competition for places intensifying, each appearance carries added weight. His performance against Ajax showed confidence and composure that could earn him another start this weekend.
Chelsea’s Next Steps Ahead of Sunderland
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Maresca has confirmed that Guiu is in contention to face his former club Sunderland on Saturday, a fixture that could see him start back-to-back matches for the first time in his Chelsea career. “Absolutely, yes (he is ready to start),” Maresca said.
For the 19-year-old, these games represent more than minutes on the pitch. They are a test of resilience and adaptation, qualities Maresca values highly as he continues to reshape Chelsea’s squad.
A New Era of Demanding Excellence
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Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s young players are discovering that talent alone is not enough. Consistency, effort and a professional mindset are now the minimum expectations. Marc Guiu’s resurgence offers a glimpse of what can happen when those standards are met, a reminder that progress at Chelsea depends as much on attitude as ability.