Alejandro Garnacho made his Aston Villa debut in a pre-season friendly against Indonesia All Stars on Saturday, and the former Chelsea and Manchester United winger sparked strong reaction
Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho left Chelsea to join Aston Villa on loan(Image: Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto)
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Chelsea have been the subject of criticism from supporters as Alejandro Garnacho made his first appearance for Aston Villa.
The Blues forward only made the move to Stamford Bridge last summer from Manchester United in a deal worth £40million, and has now left the club to join Villa on a season-long loan, which includes an obligation to make the move permanent.
Garnacho made his first appearance for Villa following his Chelsea exit as he went up against Indonesia All Stars at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.
The Chelsea loanee helped Villa secure a 3-1 win, playing the full 90 minutes in the process. However, after the match, Garnacho appeared to aim a dig at the Blues with a social media post.
Sharing a message on his Instagram story, Garnacho wrote: "See you soon Bangkok! First start after three months. Happy to be enjoying football again. One per cent every day. Thanks Indonesia."
Garnacho's display sparked a significant response from United supporters, as well as fans of both Chelsea and Villa, with many reaching the same conclusion about the Argentine international — and using it as an opportunity to criticise Chelsea.
One fan wrote: “Chelsea made my boy lose his confidence. 19-year-old Garnacho would do take ons and shoot immediately the post is on sight. Now we watch him do back passes and being too careful even when he’s in the box.”
While another added: “Garnacho clearly has ability, can see it in his first touch. He was frustrated, he made a lot of runs and wasn’t found. Clearly lacking in confidence too.”
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One more fan wrote: “I'm afraid the old Garnacho is gone. The criticism and constant negativity seem to have gotten to him. Confidence is a fragile thing, and once it's broken, it can change a player completely.”
While another said: “Garnacho debut for Aston Villa, why do I feel he’s learning and correcting all his mistakes.”
Villa hold the option to sign Garnacho on a permanent basis for a fee thought to be in the region of £42.5million next summer.
Chelsea will not be able to go up against Garnacho when they face Villa next season due to Premier League's loan rules, with the two clubs scheduled to go had-to-head on December 19 at Stamford Bridge.