Chelsea’s young striker Marc Guiu might have delivered a sensational hat-trick in the Blues’ 5-1 Conference League win over Shamrock Rovers, but behind the scenes, the teenager is reportedly grappling with frustration over his lack of Premier League opportunities.
Enzo Maresca Opens Up on Marc Guiu’s Struggles at Chelsea
Guiu, who joined Chelsea from Barcelona during the summer transfer window, has been a standout performer in Europe, netting six goals to become the competition’s leading scorer.
However, the 18-year-old’s progress has been stifled in domestic competitions, where he has not featured since the opening day of the Premier League season.
With Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku ahead of him in the pecking order, Guiu has struggled to make an impression on Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca when it comes to league action.
Speaking after Chelsea’s emphatic victory on Thursday night, Maresca acknowledged Guiu’s frustration, saying,
“Marc is a bit unhappy as Nicolas [Jackson] and Christopher [Nkunku] are doing well. When you’re a No. 9 and another No. 9 is performing, it’s always a challenge.”
The manager emphasized the importance of hard work and patience:
“It’s a matter of staying consistent and ready for opportunities.”
Chelsea’s unbeaten Conference League run has provided opportunities for squad rotation, allowing players like Guiu to shine.
However, the long break before the tournament’s knockout stages in March presents a challenge for Maresca, who must now balance the ambitions of his large squad. The risk of players like Guiu seeking January exits looms large.
When asked about the possibility of departures, Maresca was pragmatic.
“When the transfer window is open, anything can happen. We don’t want players to leave, but sometimes the decision lies with them.
If someone is unhappy and wants more game time, we need to find a solution,” he admitted.
Speculation also surrounds other players such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who has been linked with a loan return to Leicester City.
Meanwhile, Maresca remains noncommittal about adding Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana, or Romeo Lavia to the European squad in the knockout phase, citing the unpredictable nature of the January transfer window.
For now, Guiu’s hat-trick serves as a powerful reminder of his potential. Whether it’s enough to earn him more minutes in the Premier League or persuade Chelsea to reconsider his role remains to be seen.
As Maresca said, “It’s about staying ready and waiting for your moment.”
