Maresca reveals tactical motives for excluding Jadon Sancho from Chelsea’s lineup after form struggles

Jadon Sancho, who had a strong start at Chelsea with four consecutive Premier League appearances, has recently been an unused substitute in matches against Panathinaikos and Newcastle United.

Exclusion Of Jadon Sancho
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Despite an impressive stretch in which Jadon Sancho started four consecutive Premier League matches and displayed his talents, he was left as an unused substitute in Chelsea’s last two games against Panathinaikos and Newcastle United. Maresca emphasized that Sancho’s absence was purely a tactical decision, not indicative of any personal issues.

“Jadon has performed well since joining us,” Maresca stated to reporters on Tuesday. “It’s normal for players not to sustain their best form throughout the entire season, especially given the number of matches. He didn’t play in the last two games for tactical reasons—nothing more. Given the busy schedule, he will have plenty of opportunities to play. All he needs to do is keep working hard, and when he gets his chance, he must seize it.”

Sancho was loaned to Chelsea from Manchester United on the final day of the summer transfer window, with a purchase clause that activates if Chelsea finishes above 14th place in the Premier League.

Currently in fifth place, Chelsea has lost only three out of 14 matches in all competitions under Maresca’s management. They are set to face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup round of 16 on Wednesday, following a narrow 2-1 league victory over them last weekend. After this cup match, Chelsea will head to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United, with Sancho ineligible to face his parent club.

Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho

Forwarder, Midfielder

EnglandEngland

Age: 24

180 cm

76 kg

Season 2024/2025
Played 5 6 Missed
Minutes 308 61.6 Avg
Goals 0 0.0 Avg
Assist 3 0.6 Avg
Attempt 20 4.0 Avg
Passes 125 25.084.0% AvgSucc
Yellow 1 0.2 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

His team is currently 5th in Carabao Cup. In the last match Chelsea won 2-1 against Newcastle United.

Chelsea performance and stats

Chelsea

Manager: Enzo Maresca
Rank 1st
Win 3
Draw 0
Loss 0
Goals 16-3
Diff 13

Chelsea will play the next match in Carabao Cup against Newcastle United on Wednesday 30th of October in Newcastle upon Tyne. The prediction is Newcastle United winning the match.​