Enzo Maresca reveals tactical decision Chelsea striker Christopher Nkunku is not comfortable with

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca revealed on Friday that Christopher Nkunku is unhappy with being deployed out wide, expressing his preference for a central role.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League match against West Ham United, Maresca acknowledged that while Nkunku had played on the flanks in earlier matches this season, the Frenchman prefers to operate in the center of the pitch.

“Christo doesn’t like to play wide, he likes to be in the center of the pitch – we know that. But sometimes, to find the balance, he plays in a position that isn’t the best for him,” Maresca said during the pre-match press conference.

Nkunku, who came off the bench and scored the match-winner against Bournemouth last weekend, played as a central forward. Maresca noted that Nkunku and Chelsea’s other forward, Nicolas Jackson, offer different qualities: “Nico is a number nine, and Christo isn’t a real number nine.”

Despite the positional challenges, Maresca expressed satisfaction with his squad and their performances. Chelsea will aim for their third league win in their upcoming clash against West Ham.