Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is already running the risk of upsetting one of his first team players during the Club World Cup campaign.
Andrey Santos was selected to participate for the Blues in the United States, with Santos backed for big things by Todd Boehly before the tournament got underway.
However, with two games under their belts so far the Brazilian is yet to feature, much to the bemusement of supporters who have been keen to see him in action.
Santos was phenomenal last season for Strasbourg, and the club looked as if they were pulling off the plan perfectly by utilising their sister club under the BlueCo umbrella.
Bayern Munich eyeing Andrey Santos as Chelsea sweat on his future
However, at the risk of annoying Santos’ father, Maresca is yet to bring him on, despite handing a competitive debut to new signing Dario Essugo earlier in the tournament.
Given his quality, there is no doubt that a number of top clubs are going to be interested in signing the midfielder should they sense the opportunity that he is not completely happy with the Blues.
According to The Guardian, Bayern Munich have an interest in signing the youngster this summer after he didn’t feature against Flamengo in a game that would’ve meant a lot to him as a Brazilian star.
The report goes on to say that the club are hoping Santos will be patient and accept that opportunities will come his way this season, given that they are competing in the Champions League again next season.
Pressure rising on Enzo Maresca regarding Santos
It was clear before the season started that Maresca did not see enough opportunities to hand Santos during the campaign to warrant him staying at Stamford Bridge.
However, Maresca must change his ways regarding Santos, due to the talent of the player they have on their hands.
There have been claims that Santos’ camp could make a lot of noise regarding his situation if he continues to not feature for the Blues during this tournament, with one group stage game against ES Tunis remaining.
Despite them needing a result to book their place in the next round, the manager will also have one eye on the excruciating heat they are playing in, and surely this is the right time to rotate in the middle of the park.
