Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca sends Joao Felix brutal message after FA Cup brace
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Joao Felix has been told starts for Chelsea are likely to remain a rarity - despite his stunning double in the FA Cup demolition of Morecambe. The talented Portuguese attacker, who once cost Atletico Madrid a whopping £113million fee in 2019, has found minutes hard to come by since sealing his £46.3m switch to Chelsea in late August. But ex-Barcelona forward Felix provided a timely reminder of his quality on Saturday when he fired two brilliant second-half goals to rain on The Shrimps' parade. However, Blues boss Enzo Maresca is still doubtful he can start Felix in the Premier League as he is too similar to MVP Cole Palmer.
The Italian said when asked whether he wants more from the 25-year-old: "No, the only thing I've said since the start of this season is that it's difficult to play him with so many attacking players. "In my idea it means that if Joao plays, it means Cole doesn't play. Or, if Joao plays he has to play with Cole together but it depends on the game. "For me it's quite easy, we have three players but they are more or less similar; Cole, Joao and Christopher Nkunku. "Joao played some games, Christo [Nkunku] also played and they both started against Ipswich and Southampton they played, Leicester they played. Some games they can both play together but not every game because every game is a bit different.".
Nkunku is understood to be contemplating his Stamford Bridge future and would be open to an exit should the opportunity arise as both he and Felix are not satisfied with only receiving minutes in cup competitions. Chelsea host Bournemouth tomorrow night in top-flight action as they bid to rectify their concerning league form.
