JADON SANCHO has revealed Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was a key factor in his decision to move to Stamford Bridge — but does his story check out?
Sancho, 24, is seeking to reignite his career by ending his Manchester United hell after completing a season-long loan to rivals Chelsea.
And the Blues have an obligation to make the move permanent for between £20-25m next summer if certain criteria are met.
Sancho told Chelsea’s official website: “I think it’s the manager who really drew me to the project.
“I knew him from his time with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
“He spoke to me on the phone about this project and what he was building here, and for a young player like myself it’s exciting and I can’t wait to get started.”
However Sancho left Man City’s academy in 2017, long before Maresca was even in the picture.
Maresca first joined the Citizens to lead their Elite Development Squad team to Premier League 2 glory in 2020/21.
Before returning to work as one of Guardiola’s assistants in the treble-winning campaign of 2022/23.
All of which doesn’t exactly align with Sancho saying he knew him from the manager’s time with Guardiola.
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That’s not to say that the two have never met, but Sancho’s claim about working together at City has raised eyebrows and questions.
Whatever the truth behind his statement, Sancho seems to have a good grasp of what is required under the Italian tactician.
The fifth different Chelsea boss since Todd Boehly‘s reign started in 2021, let Raheem Sterling join Arsenal on loan after stating that he “prefers a different kind of winger”.
Sancho revealed that Maresca’s deadline day phone call persuaded him to join Chelsea.
The former Dortmund wideman added: “They’re signing me for a reason and to contribute to the team, and I’m ready to do that.
“I enjoy his style of play. The wingers when they get on the ball, he loves them to go one versus one and be direct.
“We play a lot of one-twos with the 10s and the striker, combination plays. It’s very attractive and it’s a style that I play.”
Sancho will face stiff competition for minutes, battling with the likes of Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke for places in Maresca’s starting lineup.
But he left Chelsea fans convinced they have their own Ronaldinho after clips emerged from his first training session on Wednesday.
