Cesare Casadei recently opened up about his struggles during Mauricio Pochettino’s brief tenure at Chelsea, admitting that he wasn’t happy with his playing time.
“I Wasn’t Very Happy”: Casadei Opens Up About Limited Role Under Pochettino
The young Italian midfielder, who has since found a fresh start under new manager Enzo Maresca, revealed how difficult last season was for him after returning from his loan at Leicester City.
Speaking to TuttoSport, Casadei expressed his frustration, saying, “With Pochettino, it was quite difficult for me. I only made 11 appearances, but they added up to just 71 minutes.”
He went on to describe how most of his time on the pitch came in the closing moments of matches, often playing just a few minutes as a substitute.
“I wasn’t very happy. Every player wants more game time,” he added.
Now under Maresca, Casadei has seen a remarkable turnaround in his fortunes. He’s been trusted to start games in both the UEFA Conference League and the Carabao Cup, showing real composure in midfield and making a presence in the air.
The 20-year-old’s performances have given Chelsea fans a glimpse of his potential, with many noting his development since last season.
Interestingly, Casadei’s rise has come at the expense of Carney Chukwuemeka, another young talent, whose limited opportunities have left some supporters frustrated.
With Chelsea’s squad packed with quality, it’s becoming increasingly clear that a move for Chukwuemeka might be on the cards.
For Casadei, though, the future looks bright. He’s gone from being an underutilized player under Pochettino to someone who now seems destined for bigger things under Maresca’s guidance.
