Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has issued a stark reality check to new signing Marc Guiu after the teenager's first appearance in blue during their pre-season friendly against Wrexham.
The 18-year-old striker, who joined from Barcelona in a £5 million deal earlier this summer, received some brutally honest feedback from his new boss following the match in California.
Maresca Demands Immediate Improvement
Speaking to reporters after Chelsea's comfortable victory, Maresca didn't mince words when assessing Guiu's performance. "He has to do much better," the Italian manager stated bluntly. "He knows that, I know that, we all know that."
The young Spaniard came on as a second-half substitute but failed to make the impact Maresca was hoping for against the League Two opposition.
High Expectations for Barcelona Graduate
Guiu's arrival at Stamford Bridge generated significant excitement among Chelsea supporters, given his background at Barcelona's famed La Masia academy. The teenager had already made his first-team debut for the Catalan giants, scoring just 23 seconds after coming on against Athletic Bilbao last season.
However, Maresca's comments suggest the transition to Premier League football won't be straightforward for the young prospect.
Pre-Season Reality Check
While pre-season matches are typically used for building fitness and integrating new players, Maresca's immediate demand for higher standards signals his no-nonsense approach to management. The Chelsea boss emphasised that regardless of age or price tag, every player must meet his exacting standards.
Chelsea's American tour continues with several more high-profile friendlies, giving Guiu limited time to impress his new manager before the Premier League season kicks off next month.
The Spanish youngster now faces a crucial period of adaptation as he seeks to prove he can handle the physical and tactical demands of English football.
