Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, has stated that the club anticipates more from forward Christopher Nkunku despite his recent goal-scoring performance.
Nkunku was on target as Chelsea defeated Southampton 4-0 in the Premier League on Tuesday. Other goals came from Pedro Neto, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella. The win ended Chelsea’s three-game winless streak and pushed them back into the Premier League’s top four.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Maresca expressed satisfaction with Nkunku’s contribution but insisted the French international has more to offer.
“I’m happy with him, I know that he can give more. We expect more from him,” Maresca said.
He highlighted Nkunku’s versatility, noting that he has been deployed in multiple attacking roles.
“At the same time, we try to understand him in terms of he is not a nine. Many games he plays as a nine. He is not a winger and tonight he played as a winger.
“He is an attacking midfielder. The problem is that sometimes to find balance… we already used Cole Palmer there, so we try to use him in different positions,” Maresca added.
Chelsea’s focus now shifts to their upcoming Europa Conference League Round of 16 tie against Copenhagen on March 6, as they aim to continue their momentum.