📣 Enzo Maresca on January exits and upcoming Bournemouth test

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has given his thoughts on the potential exits of Ben Chilwell and Renato Veiga this month.

Veiga has been heavily rumoured to be heading to Borussia Dortmund during the January window, having played just seven games since joining from Basel last summer.

Chilwell meanwhile is on the hunt for a new club having fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge after four and a half years in west London.

And the Italian coach has opened up about both men reportedly leaving over the next few weeks.

"Ben has been top," the coach said.

"I have to say that; very professional, works hard. I feel shame because of that situation but in terms of behaviour, he has been very good.

"At the moment, I am not aware that there is an agreement for Renato. Yesterday he was here working with us and today he will be here. At the moment, he is our player.

"The only thing I can say is that we bought Renato from Basel, he has played in different positions and has played well.

"This has allowed him to be in the senior national team for the first time in his life. Even if he is not playing in his position, it means he can do well in the position he is playing.

"I had a chat with Renato. I told him the same thing I told you; in terms of playing in the position he is playing with us, it gave him the chance to play for the national team and it caused speculation around him, meaning clubs are looking at him because he is doing well.

"If there is a player that just wants to play in one position, then they are going to struggle. It is a good thing for the team and for the club."

Maresca was speaking to the press ahead of their Premier League clash with Bournemouth on Tuesday, a game that the tactician is wary of.

"For sure, winning games always helps to continue to win," he said.

"Hopefully we can build some momentum but Bournemouth will be a very different game. They are a very good team; very tough, very intense."

📸 BEN STANSALL - AFP or licensors