Enzo Maresca has expressed “shame” over Joao Felix’s limited playing time in the Premier League but remains confident that consistent performances will earn him more minutes on the field.
Felix joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid this summer for £44.5 million, following a successful loan spell at the club during the 2022/2023 season. As one of the club’s high-profile attacking additions, alongside Pedro Neto and Christopher Nkunku, Felix’s transfer was highly anticipated.
Maresca on Felix’s Limited Game Time
Despite scoring in his debut—a 6-2 away win at Wolves—Felix has struggled for regular playing time at Stamford Bridge. Primarily viewed as a squad player, he has yet to start a Premier League match, clocking just 117 minutes in the league. Determined to break through, Felix has vowed to continue pushing for a starting role.
Felix’s standout moments have largely come in cup competitions, most notably when he scored twice in a Conference League win against Panathinaikos last month. Yet, fans were left questioning his absence when he and Nkunku were left on the bench during Chelsea’s recent clash against Manchester United, as Chelsea searched for a late winner.
Ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming game against Noah, Maresca spoke candidly about Felix’s situation. “I feel a shame about Joao, but not only about Joao,” Maresca admitted in a pre-match press conference. “I’d love to give him more minutes in the Premier League. But we need defensive balance. We can’t always play Joao, Cole, and Chris together. I want all of them on the pitch, but we also need to defend.”
Maresca remains confident in Felix’s potential, adding, “I have no doubts that if Joao keeps performing well, he will get his Premier League minutes.”
Felix has received strong support from former Chelsea player Pat Nevin, who believes the young Portuguese forward has all the qualities to succeed in West London. Nevin has encouraged Felix to make the most of every chance, starting with the upcoming match against Noah.
FAQ
Why isn’t Joao Felix getting more playing time in the Premier League?
According to Enzo Maresca, Chelsea must maintain a balance between offense and defense, which limits the ability to play all attacking players, including Felix, regularly.
How has Joao Felix performed since joining Chelsea?
Felix has shown promise, scoring in his debut and impressing in cup competitions, especially with his two goals against Panathinaikos in the Conference League.
What does Maresca think of Felix’s future at Chelsea?
Maresca is confident that Felix will earn more minutes in the Premier League if he continues to perform well, despite the current challenges with squad balance.
What are former players saying about Felix?
Pat Nevin has backed Felix to succeed at Chelsea, recognizing his talent and urging him to seize every opportunity he gets on the field.
