Maresca fires warning to Garnacho despite starring for Chelsea against Wolves

Suraj Radia

• 9 Nov 2025 05:15 CST
• 3 min read

News

Chelsea’s summer transfer business has proven hit or miss so far this season but Alejandro Garnacho’s could finally be showing why the Blues were so keen to sign him from Manchester United.

Enzo Maresca’s side spent more than €330 million on players during the summer but the likes of Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato and Liam Delap have yet to justify their signings in the early stages of their careers at Stamford Bridge.

The same was being said of Garnacho after he began his Chelsea stint without a goal or assist in his first six appearances but he has since proven to be a crucial figure for Maresca in the absence of Cole Palmer.

Current ETV

Alejandro Garnacho

F (L), M (RL)

Chelsea

Alejandro Garnacho

F (L), M (RL)

Chelsea

€58.4M

ETV Range

€52.6M - €64.3M

View full profile

Garnacho has netted twice and secured two assists in his last four matches in all competitions, including by creating two goals in the 3-0 win over Wolves on Saturday.

The 21-year-old also completed his first 90 minutes for Chelsea, having spent some time building up fitness after being exiled from Man Utd’s pre-season training prior to his move in late August.

Having been a long-term target for Chelsea, the London side gambled on a player who had perhaps been seen as damaged goods by United and their faith in Garnacho may continue to be rewarded if the youngster can build on his recent form.

Maresca reveals Garnacho advice to succeed at Chelsea

Chelsea had previously tried to sign Garnacho in January but they refused to meet United’s asking price of around €60m, such was the potential the Red Devils saw in the forward.

However, Garnacho soon fell out with United boss Ruben Amorim and he was eventually told he would never play for the club again, leading to Chelsea signing him just days before the transfer deadline for €46m.

Despite still being of a tender age, Garnacho had regularly been written off for inconsistent displays and perhaps immature behaviour at Old Trafford but Chelsea believe the Argentine’s talent speaks for itself and that he would blossom in a new environment.

Maresca also revealed he has been pushing Garnacho to improve his work out-of-possession, saying: "Work hard - this has been the main message when he joined us. In terms of quality on the ball we know he is good; to play with us he has to work hard.

"On the ball he's doing well, but also off the ball he's working hard. He arrived from a club where he was not training 100% so his physical condition was not good. Slowly now he is better.

"He knows that to play with us he needs to be good on the ball and off the ball otherwise he's not going to play."

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