Chelsea teenage striker Marc Guiu has shown a marked improvement in training and performances after manager Enzo Maresca openly criticized his efforts, paving the way for increased first-team opportunities. The 19-year-old Spaniard, recalled early from his loan at Sunderland due to Liam Delap’s hamstring injury, scored in Chelsea’s 5-1 Champions League victory over Ajax on Wednesday.

Maresca’s Tough Love Sparks Change

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca admitted that his candid conversation with Guiu had a profound impact on the young striker.

“I told him I didn’t like the way he was training and he needed to change. It changed and he got the chance,” Maresca said. “He was not training well, in all the ways. I don’t know why, but that’s sometimes the way with young ones and you need to go slowly with them. Since we chatted, it is top and fantastic and he is working very well.”

The discussion has clearly paid dividends, with Guiu now ready to start his first Premier League match of the season. His involvement in recent matches has also allowed main striker Joao Pedro to shift into a more creative number 10 role, where Maresca believes he performs better.

Guiu’s Role in Chelsea’s Squad

Since joining Chelsea from Barcelona in 2024 for £5m, Guiu has been one of the club’s promising young talents. While he has scored six goals in seven Conference League appearances, he has yet to net in domestic competitions and made only three Premier League substitute appearances last season.

Initially sent on loan to Sunderland after the signing of Joao Pedro, Guiu’s return to Chelsea was prompted by Delap’s injury against Fulham, which left the Blues short of forwards. Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris confirmed that Chelsea’s recall was manageable due to their acquisition of Brian Brobbey from Ajax for £21.6m on deadline day.

Upcoming Clash with Sunderland

Chelsea host Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Guiu potentially starting in the Premier League for the first time this season. Delap is not yet match-fit, expected to return against Wolves in the EFL Cup next week. Maresca hinted at the uncertainty of squad movements, stating:

“Oh my god, we are in October. I don’t know. In football, things can change very quick for everyone, players and managers, so it is difficult to say.”

While Guiu’s future remains somewhat fluid, the striker’s commitment in training and his Champions League performance suggest he is ready to make a lasting impact at Chelsea. Discussions about a possible January loan back to Sunderland are ongoing, but FIFA rules limit players to appearances for two clubs per season, meaning any mid-season move would require careful planning.

Guiu’s Growth Highlights Chelsea’s Youth Development

Guiu’s evolution under Maresca’s guidance reflects the club’s investment in nurturing young talent. From struggling in training to scoring in Europe, the Spaniard’s journey shows how managerial support and high expectations can transform promising prospects into key squad members.