Confirmed: Chelsea star 'approaches' Maresca over limited game time

Cameron Smith

20 Oct 2025 09:03 CDT
3 min read

Chelsea striker Marc Guiu reportedly “approached” Enzo Maresca ahead of the October international break to discuss his limited involvement since being recalled from his loan spell at Sunderland.

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The Spaniard joined Regis Le Bris’ side on loan in August, however the deal was cancelled after less than a month due to a hamstring injury suffered by Chelsea forward Liam Delap, and he returned to Stamford Bridge on Transfer Deadline Day.

Current ETV

Marc Guiu

F (C)

Chelsea

Marc Guiu

F (C)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€15.4M - €18.8M

Following his return to west London, Guiu was expected to play a prominent role, but Joao Pedro has been preferred as the centre forward in the Premier League, and young winger Tyrique George was selected against Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup and Benfica in the Champions League.

This led to rumours that Guiu was growing increasingly frustrated with Maresca, while some reports suggested that he was desperate to rejoin Sunderland in the January transfer window.

However, The Athletic have poured cold water on such claims and have detailed how Guiu has worked his way back into favour at Stamford Bridge.

Marc Guiu asks for increased Chelsea game time

After being an unused substitute in four consecutive games following his move back to Chelsea, Guiu featured off the bench during the win over Liverpool on 4 October, while he was introduced at half-time against Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.

Ahead of the victory versus Liverpool, Guiu spoke to Maresca about his lack of involvement since his return and asked what he could do better to see his game time significantly improve.

That is according to The Athletic, who claim the conversation was “respectful and polite”, with Maresca informing the Spaniard to keep working hard in training.

Reports that Guiu is angry at Maresca and is seeking a January exit therefore appear unfounded.

Guiu is yet to score his first Chelsea goal of the season, however he netted six times in seven Europa Conference League matches last term and his movement played a key role in Estevao’s winner against Liverpool and Josh Acheampong’s opener versus Forest.

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