Enzo Maresca believes Jadon Sancho needs to feel the love to return to his best at Chelsea, after the winger’s debut helped inspire Saturday’s victory at Bournemouth.
Sancho, who joined on an initial loan deal from Manchester United on deadline day, was sent on as a half-time substitute at the Vitality Stadium, with the Blues at that stage fortunate to be level at 0-0 after Robert Sanchez’s penalty save denied Evanilson an opener for the hosts.
The Englishman’s arrival sparked an improved second-half display and he eventually assisted fellow substitute Christopher Nkunku for the winner just four minutes from time.
“Jadon helped us a lot,” Maresca said. “What he did tonight is exactly what we expected from him. I know Jadon very well because I watched him many times in the past and I know what he can give us.
“Then also, Christo was very good, not only because he scored but because he fought without the ball. Jadon was exactly the same.”
Sancho is seeking to resurrect his career, which has stalled badly since he signed for United from Borussia Dortmund three years ago.
He was exiled from the United squad in September last year after a public falling out with manager Erik ten Hag and spent most of the first half of the season on the sidelines before returning to Dortmund on loan in January.
Chelsea’s fans appear to have taken quickly to the 24-year-old, whose name was sung throughout the second half and as Maresca’s players celebrated in front of the away support at full-time.
“I have the feeling that Jadon is a guy that needs to feel love,” Maresca added. “This is what I thought when I spoke with him before he joined us. Also he has the desire to show the player he is.
“But for me, he has to just enjoy football. It’s the reason why they play, they’re happy and they want to enjoy football. Then, because they’re good, they’re going to do good things.”
