Enzo Maresca names Chelsea signing who must fix major issue, ‘need to understand’

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Enzo Maresca is already looking for more from one of Chelsea’s summer signings and has warned they will need time to adapt to his methods.

Despite spending just shy of £300million on a number of eye-catching arrivals before the window slammed shut this month, Chelsea are also in the race to sign two more elite players for free in 2026.

The likes of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato all came through the door at Stamford Bridge, and Enzo Maresca has looked to bed in his new-look squad as quickly as possible.

But the Blues have got off to a mixed start in the Premier League, winning two of their first four games, and lost 3-1 to Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener on Wednesday.

Keen for a response against Manchester United this weekend, Maresca admitted he will be looking for one of his recent recruits to tighten up in one crucial area.

• READ MORE: Raheem Sterling told how to get out of his Chelsea nightmare following Maresca reveal

Enzo Maresca says Alejandro Garnacho must improve defensively

Alejandro Garnacho joined from Man United in a £40million deal and made his debut as a second-half substitute in the 2-2 draw at Brentford.

However, Garnacho delivered a mixed performance, having a hand in Moises Caicedo’s strike which put Chelsea 2-1 up, before losing Fabio Carvalho at the far post from a throw-in and allowing the hosts to equalise at the death.

“When we conceded the second goal against Brentford, two or three minutes before we had conceded exactly the same throw-in, exactly the same chance, and the player behind Garnacho was alone again,” Maresca said. “It happened two times, not only once.

“It’s why we say many times players need time to adapt. It’s a process when a player joins a new club, they need to understand how we work.”

Maresca did admit, however, that Garnacho is ready to start at Old Trafford, his old stomping ground, and he will hold talks with the forward before making a final decision.

A goal against his former club would surely be the spark he needs to burst into life for the Blues.

• READ MORE: Paul Merson names Chelsea star who hasn’t ‘done enough’ under Enzo Maresca

Alejandro Garnacho returns to Manchester United

It’s fair to say no one quite knows what reception he will receive when he walks out of the Old Trafford tunnel, albeit this time wearing all blue.

Garnacho dazzled at times for United, scoring 26 goals and registering 22 assists in his 144 senior appearances, and was another shining light nurtured by their famous academy.

But the winger also burned his bridges after taking a dig at Ruben Amorim in the wake of the Europa League final defeat, resulting in him being told to find a new club in front of his team-mates.

The big question is whether United supporters will remember his past heroics or focus on the fact that he effectively downed tools, frustrated with his lack of game time.