Enzo Maresca was asked about Jadon Sancho in his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea versus Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite Chelsea having an obligation to buy Sancho at the end of the season, his long-term future at Stamford Bridge is in severe doubt.
Chelsea can get out of their agreement to sign Sancho permanently by paying a penalty fee to Manchester United.
Maresca was coy about his future when asked about it on Wednesday, but the 45-year-old was clear about one thing.
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca has not sugar-coated Jadon Sancho’s poor record
At the start of the season, Sancho looked like he was going to be a real asset to Chelsea. In his first three Premier League games, the winger managed to register as many assists.
December then saw Sancho put his shooting boots on, with the Englishman scoring in back-to-back games against Southampton and Tottenham.
However, he has not netted since then, going on a run of 14 top-flight matches without a goal. In that time, Sancho has also only managed to record one assist.
Maresca, after giving an injury update on Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, has now told the former Borussia Dortmund star that he should be doing better in front of goal.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
Speaking in his latest pre-match press conference, the Chelsea boss said: “To be honest, probably you have more news than me in terms of Jadon. For me, Jadon’s situation doesn’t change. It is exactly the same. For sure, in terms of numbers, he could do better, no doubt.”
With an xG of just 1.74 this season, according to WhoScored, it is no surprise that Sancho is not scoring at the minute.
Sancho is also averaging just 0.8 shots per game, which is nowhere near enough for an attacking player at a club like Chelsea.
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
What Jadon Sancho has said about his form
In Sancho’s defence, the England international at least knows that he needs to do better.
Before Maresca’s latest assessment, Sancho admitted that he could improve in front of goal and overall.
“I know I can do better, especially in front of goal, it’s annoying not to score, but I know it’ll come,” the Chelsea wide man said.
Sancho now needs to start showing that improvement; otherwise, he will be heading back to Old Trafford once this campaign concludes.