Two Chelsea summer signings ‘frustrated’ with Enzo Maresca

Two Chelsea summer signing are growing ‘frustrated’ with their lack of game-time under Enzo Maresca, according to reports.

Chelsea were tipped as dark horses to win the Premier League and Champions League after encouraging results against Arsenal and Barcelona at the end of November.

Maresca’s side thumped La Liga champions Barca 3-0 before holding Arsenal to a 1-1 draw despite playing with ten men for almost an hour.

But an inconsistency that was visibly last season has re-emerged during a disappointing start to December, with the Blues losing two of their last three games.

Chelsea suffered a shock 3-1 defeat at relegation-battlers Leeds United before their slim title hopes were dealt another blow in a goalless draw with Bournemouth.

Maresca was hoping to return to winning ways in the Champions League but Chelsea lost 2-1 at Atalanta in a damaging result for their qualification hopes.

Joao Pedro gave Chelsea the lead out in Italy but Atalanta scored two second-half goals to come back and inflict another disappointing result on Maresca.

Estevao Willian was an unused substitute against Atalanta and Chelsea fans were baffled and annoyed by his absence during a potentially costly defeat.

Estevao has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young players in world football since his £51m move from Palmeiras last summer.

The Daily Mail says Estevao, 18, was visibly disappointed when he realised he would not be introduced from the bench against Atalanta.

Estevao is still happy and content at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea bosses will be desperate to ensure it remains that way given his reputation as a future superstar.

Real Madrid considered signing the teenager while he was still in Brazil and are said to ‘regret’ their decision not to push harder for his signing.

It is claimed Estevao is not the only Chelsea player wanting more game-time from Maresca, with fellow summer signing Facundo Buonanotte ‘frustrated’ with his lack of opportunities.

Chelsea paid £2m to sign Buonanotte on loan from Brighton last summer but the 20-year-old has only made six appearances this season and gone unused for seven games in a row.

Back-up goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is also said to be ‘itching’ to play as he knows remaining on the sidelines will harm his chances of going to next summer’s World Cup with Denmark.

It was reported last month than Jorgensen, who completed a £21m move from Villarreal in 2024, would consider handing in a transfer request next month.

Jorgensen was hopeful of displacing Robert Sanchez as Maresca’s No. 1 but now has one eye on a January move as that has not materialised.

Maresca has made 119 changes to his starting line-ups this season – more than any other manager in England, while he has made over 100 subs in all competitions.

Following a difficult period and a defeat to Atalanta, Maresca will be desperate to mastermind a Chelsea win this weekend when Everton visit Stamford Bridge.

David Moyes’ Toffees have won four of their last five games to climb to seventh, two places and one point behind Chelsea.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.