Enzo Maresca expresses regret over losing Chelsea academy players as Conor Gallagher’s departure nears due to PSR.

Enzo Maresca, the head coach of Chelsea, expressed his frustration at losing academy players from his squad due to the club’s need to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations (PSR).

Chelsea, like many other clubs, are required to sell academy players in order to balance their financial books. The latest player to potentially leave the club is Conor Gallagher, who is reportedly on the verge of a £33 million move to Atletico Madrid.

Maresca acknowledged the ongoing negotiations between the club and Gallagher, stating that such situations occur at every club during the summer transfer window. He hopes that the final decision will be beneficial for both Gallagher and the club. However, Maresca emphasized that the issue lies with the PSR rules, which all Premier League clubs must adhere to.

The Italian coach expressed his disappointment with the current rules, citing the example of Francesco Totti, who spent his entire career with Roma. Maresca believes that fans appreciate players who remain loyal to one club, but the rules have made it difficult for this to happen. He also noted that it is not just Chelsea who spend money on players, but all the big clubs in an attempt to strengthen their squads.

When asked if the rules need to be changed to protect academy players, Maresca agreed that it would be beneficial to do so. He then discussed the situations of Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson, two players who have faced challenges in their first seasons at the club.

Maresca expressed his support for Caicedo, explaining that the focus has been on building his physical condition to ensure he is ready for the start of the league. As for Jackson, who has been recovering from an ankle injury, Maresca was pleased to have him back in training and sees him as a striker.

Overall, Maresca’s comments highlight the difficulties faced by Chelsea and other clubs in balancing their squads while complying with financial regulations. The coach’s desire to protect academy players and his support for struggling players demonstrate his commitment to developing and nurturing talent within the club.