Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has promised to hand opportunities to academy players at Manchester City, although Josh Acheampong will be wondering where this treatment was at Stamford Bridge.
As the Blues look to go into their new era with Xabi Alonso at the helm, Premier League rivals City have finally announced the hiring of Maresca to replace Pep Guardiola.
Chelsea received around £17m in compensation for the manager after he walked out on his contract early in West London, sparking a meltdown in their 2025/26 campaign.
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City have confirmed Maresca will replace Guardiola.
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The Blues accused Maresca of ruining their season within minutes of him being hired by City, as the Italian completed media duties at his new side.
When discussing the squad he has inherited at the Etihad, Maresca had plenty to say about the young players at the club, promising to continue promoting them to first team action.
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He told the Man City website: “I think also we have the right mix between young players and more experienced players which helps a lot the young ones to grow and improve.
“The squad is already good, for sure. We need to do some things, but we are working with Hugo [Viana] and we will see.
“I think in the last, I’m not sure exactly how many years, but also when I was here with the EDS, most of that squad, most of those players are all Premier League players or almost all of them.
“The way they are working and the methodology they use in the last years also help the young players to develop in the right way.
“With younger players, you need also to be a little bit brave to give them an opportunity and we will continue to do that.”
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Maresca had a young squad at Chelsea, the most youthful in the league, however didn’t help himself when it came to his treatment of Josh Acheampong.
Before he left on New Year’s Day, the youngster had started just four Premier League games in the campaign, and had endured a run of nine consecutive games without coming off the bench.
The England U21 international is one of the most talented players to come through Cobham in the last decade, however was not given sufficient opportunities to improve under the Italian.
This continued during Liam Rosenior’s brief reign in charge, and while Alonso wants to hand him chances, the damage may well have been done.
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Acheampong is furious at Chelsea as he feels as if promises made to him have not been kept by the club over the last 12 months.
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This sees the defender continue to be linked with a move away, where he would have his pick of clubs to sign him due to his status as one of the best young players in the world.
Crystal Palace have been mentioned as possible candidates to sign the defender as Chelsea make their move to bring in Maxence Lacroix this summer.
Alonso has tried to make Acheampong an untouchable at Stamford Bridge, although it looks likely that the damage has been done regarding his future.
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