ENZO Maresca said Jadon Sancho is someone who “needs love” after the England winger set up the winning goal on his Chelsea debut.
Sancho came on for Pedro Neto at half-time and assisted Christopher Nkunku in the 86th minute to defeat AFC Bournemouth.
“I get the feeling that Jadon is a guy who needs love when I spoke to him before he joined us,” Maresca said.
“Also, I know that he has the desire to show the player that he is. For me he just needs to enjoy football. That is the reason he plays, to be happy when he plays football. Then because he is good, he wants to do good things.”
Blues fans were signing Sancho’s name at the final whistle.
Maresca said: “The fans were fantastic.
“I said to the players after the game to go over there and enjoy their time with the fans because they have come from London and they completely deserved this. It is always good when we win games, to share it with the fans.”
Sancho, 24, joined Chelsea on a season-long loan from Manchester United in the summer.
“It is amazing to make my debut for Chelsea and just be back playing. I am very grateful,” Sancho said.
“I thought the team played very well, we dug in until the end and we are happy with the three points.
‘I have been working hard for this moment and I am happy that I got my chance.
“I had a great end to last season, being in the Champions League final [with Borussia Dortmund], and I told myself going into this season that I wanted to have a great start to the season, and this is my first game so to get a win for Chelsea and obviously to make my debut too.”
“I have to say thank you to all the staff and all my team-mates. From the first day I came in, they have made me feel welcome and I want to thank them for making me feel this comfortable.”
