Enzo Maresca Trying to Disrespectfully Push Christopher Nkunku on the Way Out

Since his appointment as head coach of Chelsea, Enzo Maresca’s relationship with Christopher Nkunku has raised eyebrows across Stamford Bridge. It appears Maresca has never planned to feature Nkunku heavily, and recent training ground tactics suggest a calculated ploy to push the forward out, reports L’Equipe, via Get French Football News.

A Strange Start That Never Went Away

It never felt like a fresh start for Nkunku under Maresca. From day one, he seemed out of step with the new manager’s plans. Despite arriving with high expectations, Nkunku has barely made the team sheet for competitive fixtures. Now it’s becoming clear that his marginal role isn’t just tactical—it’s personal. Maresca has repeatedly had Nkunku train as a defensive midfielder, a position where his natural instincts and creativity in the final third are wasted. According to L’Equipe, this has happened more than once during training sessions, suggesting it’s not accidental but a deliberate message.

A Coaching Tactic That Crosses the Line

Competitive coaches are known to test players in unusual ways, but converting a striker into a defensive midfielder during training stretches accepted limits. For Nkunku—once regarded as one of the best young attackers in the world—these sessions are less about tactical growth and more about public humiliation. It’s a message to the dressing room, and to the player: this is not your team. Maresca’s handling of Nkunku sends a blatant signal: we don’t see you as part of the future.

Chelsea Are Clearing the Roster—and Nkunku Is on the Block

Maesra’s treatment of Nkunku echoes broader changes at Chelsea. The club is actively shopping Nkunku on the transfer market, keen to offload his salary and free up space. Add in the training-ground slight, and the picture is clear: this has become a personal eviction attempt. Nkunku, who scored 34 goals and registered 18 assists during an exceptional two-year stint at RB Leipzig, now finds himself sidelined and disillusioned.

Nkunku Isn’t Accepting the Push Without a Fight

Nkunku is not one to shrivel under pressure. His brilliance at Leipzig raised him to global prominence. Even with limited Chelsea opportunities, he remains confident in his abilities. Reports suggest he’s waiting for interest from clubs like Bayern Munich, where his attacking talents would be better appreciated. Despite Maresca’s ploy, Nkunku appears motivated to prove he still belongs among Europe’s elite forwards.

The Wake-Up Call for Maresca

This saga speaks volumes about Maresca’s methods. Testing character is one thing, undermining a star player’s position in the squad is another. If questions emerge at Chelsea’s board level over stalled results or a lack of firepower from the front line, Maresca’s treatment of Nkunku may become a focal point. The coach has a responsibility to support all team assets; instead, he appears to be alienating one of Chelsea’s most dynamic talents.

What Happens Next

If this tactic was supposed to force Nkunku out quietly, it seems to have become a spark igniting interest elsewhere. With the transfer window open and Bayern Munich reportedly interested, Chelsea may find a quick buyer who recognises the value Nkunku can still offer. The larger issue, however, is Maresca’s reputation. If he continues to offload talent in such a disrespectful manner, future signings may think twice before joining a manager seen to marginalise key players.

For Nkunku, fate may yet reward patience. For Maresca, the silence surrounding this training controversy is deafening. Make no mistake, both player and manager will be defined by how this unfolds.