TA: Before playing against Liverpool, Giovanni discussed playing time issues, Maresca consoled him and gave him a chance

Hupu, October 20th, TheAthleticUK Chelsea and team reporter Simon Johnson wrote a column for Giwu.

Every forward relies on timing, and Marc Giu has a pretty good sense of timing now.

He showed this feeling off the court for the first time a few weeks ago. On the eve of the game against Liverpool, the 19-year-old approached Chelsea coach Maresca after training and talked about his lack of game opportunities this season and asked if he needed to improve in some areas to get more playing opportunities.

In order to maintain the relationship between the two parties, an insider revealed to TheAthletic anonymously that the conflict did not break out because of a quarrel, nor did it have an attitude problem after being left out. Instead, the conversation was respectful and polite.

Maresca had no objection to Jiu bringing up this topic to him. As a former player, the Italian understands Giu's desire to play and his desire for answers.

Therefore, the head coach comforted the young man that as long as he continued to work hard in training, the opportunity would eventually come. This is consistent with what Maresca said on the topic when he responded publicly at a press conference.

Giu played a role in every Chelsea goal in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

Maresca was clearly pleased with what he saw.

When asked by TheAthletic if Giu's performance in the two games was what he would have liked to see in order for the youngster to get more playing time, Maresca replied:

"Giou did well [against Nottingham Forest]. I remember he played 15 minutes against Liverpool, with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahimovic Rahima) Konate, (Ryan) Gravenberch, he performed very well.

Today, he won a corner kick from Morato's head just one minute into the second half. So we need Mark's help. "

Normally, the two games add up to only 61 minutes (excluding stoppage time), which is not something to be too excited about. But this was Giu's first game since being recalled from Sunderland on August 31, having originally planned to spend a season on loan at Sunderland.

Liam Delap injured his hamstring in the game against Fulham, causing the England U21 international to be absent until November. Chelsea therefore requested to cancel Giu's loan.

Giou did not play in the first six games after returning to Stamford Bridge, so he was naturally worried. He has been told that if he plays enough minutes he will be a candidate for Spain's World Cup squad next summer, so he will need enough game time to earn his place.

Maresca wasn't the only one to comfort him. Other staff members conveyed similar messages, other people familiar with the matter said.

The good news for Gio is that he is likely to start against Ajax. Wednesday's Champions League match. Joao Pedro is suspended, and George and Neto (Neto consumes a lot) become his only competitors for the Champions League spot.

Three days later, he originally planned to play for Sunderland until the 2025-26 season and challenge Chelsea in the future.

Of course, when Delap returns to form, Giu may find that his playing time is back to square one. Giu has made three appearances for Sunderland so the only loan opportunity available in January is to return to the Wearside club as he cannot play for more than two teams in a season.

However, Giovanni is encouraged that an anonymous source told TA that this possibility has not even been discussed.

Jiwu knows very well that he is not perfect. If he wants to become the main force of the first team, he will still face major challenges in the future. But at least things are starting to move in a more positive direction for him at the club.