Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has spoken out strongly in defence of young Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, following a wave of online criticism from fans disappointed with his recent performances. The 20-year-old, who joined Chelsea amid much excitement, has found it difficult to hit the ground running — prompting questions about whether he’s ready for top-flight football.
But Maresca insists the problem isn’t about talent, but time and adaptation.
🗣️ “Still not ready? What do you mean? He still needs to understand our style of play and fit into our system. He’s working well, BUT he’s not there yet,” the coach explained in a press conference earlier today.
Maresca’s words come after a number of supporters took to social media to express frustration over Santos’ performance in recent matches, calling him “slow,” “uninspired,” and “not Premier League quality.” However, the manager was quick to shut down that narrative, stating that adjusting to Chelsea’s tactical demands takes time, especially for a young player stepping into one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
Since arriving from Brazil, Andrey Santos has been seen as a long-term investment by the club. Known for his energy, composure, and eye for a pass, he showed glimpses of quality during preseason — but fans have been expecting more. Now, Maresca is urging supporters to be patient, reminding everyone that development isn’t instant, and not every young talent becomes a star overnight.
💬 “We see the work he puts in during training. He wants to learn, he listens, and he’s improving. You can’t forget he’s still very young. Chelsea is a big club, and adapting here is a huge challenge,” Maresca added.
The boss also hinted that Santos may still have a part to play this season, especially once he fully adapts to the tactical system and the pace of English football. For now, though, fans are being asked to trust the process.
As Chelsea continues its rebuild under Maresca, nurturing talents like Santos will be key to the long-term vision of the club. Whether he breaks into the starting eleven or not, one thing is clear — the manager believes in him.
