Enzo Maresca sends Chelsea fans Andrey Santos message amid concern over lack of minutes | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has insisted Andrey Santos will get minutes after supporters were left frustrated by his lack of action against Flamengo.

Maresca made several changes to the side which beat LAFC 2-0, but Santos once again found himself on the bench, with Reece James deployed in midfield.

Chelsea slipped to a 3-1 defeat, with Nicolas Jackson getting sent off, and Santos was once again left waiting to make his competitive debut for the Blues.

Maresca speaks on lack of minutes for Santos

Santos excelled on loan at Strasbourg and Todd Boehly himself had said he was excited to see the Brazilian in action.

The expectation was Santos would play a key role in the squad next season, and whilst it’s only two games, it’s hard not to be slightly concerned about the Brazilian’s lack of minutes.

Santos has been an unused substitute in both Club World Cup games. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

Given the options Chelsea have at their disposal in midfield, it was baffling to see Maresca opt to deploy James there once again.

However, after the game Maresca insisted Santos will get given opportunities, but the proof will be in the pudding whether he does or not.

“There are always things you can do better, even when you win, not only lose,” he said as quoted on X.com.

“In terms of players, we tried to choose the right ones for the game plan. We chose Reece, he was good for 60 minutes, like the rest. Dario [Essugo] and Andrey will have chances in the future.”

Interest from Europe’s top clubs

Whilst it’s believed Santos isn’t for sale, his performances at Strasbourg have attracted the interest of some of Europe’s top clubs including Bayern Munich.

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Santos’ lack of action could have once again alerted potential suitors, but it would still come as a shock given what’s been reported if the 21-year-old were to leave.

The midfielder is behind the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, but when given the chance it’s up to him to make the most of his opportunities and move himself up the pecking order.