'Bad situation': Enzo Maresca says he 'feels ashamed' of Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has questioned whether those advising Josh Acheampong have his best interests at heart.
The Blues informed Acheampong on Tuesday He would not feature in the first team or development team at all until he signs a new deal.
Acheampong, whose contract expires in 2026, is considered one of Cobham's brightest prospects and has attracted interest from Liverpool and real Madrid.
talkSPORT understands ChelseaThe intention is to retain him, but the longer the contractual saga drags on, it could force the Blues' decision.
Acheampong's recent refusal to extend has raised eyebrows maresca by surprise, especially since the pair had a good conversation about the teen star's future in recent weeks.
“I feel embarrassed for Josh,” Maresca said.
“This type of match could be an opportunity for him. I spoke to him personally about three weeks ago about his situation. The conversation we had was very positive.
“It's a shame because I really think Josh can potentially be a top player. He's still 18, so a lot of things can change for him, but he can potentially be very important for Chelsea.
“He is so important for the Club that our intention is not to lose him. The first thing we have to do is find a solution regarding his contract, his future.
“It's a bad situation right now for him. I don't know if the people who are trying to solve the problem are helping him or not.”
Maresca added: “I really like Josh and I would like to have him here with us. But it's not possible.”
Acheampong made his Chelsea debut thanks to Mauricio Pochettino last season in a 2-0 win over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.
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The 18-year-old enjoyed a five-minute cameo from the bench against London rivals Chelsea.
He was also an unused substitute in three other Premier League matches, as well as in the Blues' FA Cup quarter-final match against city of leicester.
Acheampong has appeared once for Chelsea's senior team this season, having enjoyed 27 minutes off the bench in the Blues' 5-0 thrashing of Barrow in the EFL Cup.
He was an unused substitute in Chelsea's second leg. European conference league Also in the qualifying match against Swiss team Servette.
Acheampong also played for the England Under-19 team during the September international break, when he started in a 2-2 draw against Italy and a 3-2 loss to Germany.
Chelsea will play the Europa Conference League against the Greek team on Thursday. Panathinaikosa game you can listen to live on talkSPORT 2.
