Chelsea's Enzo Maresca 'ashamed' of Ben Chilwell's treatment

Enzo Maresca admitted he was “ashamed” of his treatment of Ben Chilwell but reiterated the full-back did not fit into his Chelsea plans.

Chilwell, 28, made 70 appearances for the west London club in the four years before Maresca's arrival, but has made just one appearance in the Carabao Cup this season.

Maresca, who took over as Chelsea manager last summer, said on Monday he sympathized with the England international.

“Because players want to play more games, there may be an opportunity for them to leave,” Maresca said. “But Ben has been top. I have to say, he's been top.

“Very professional and hard working. I'm ashamed of myself because of the situation, but in terms of behavior he was very good.”

Asked why Chilwell was not playing, the Italian coach added: “First of all because it was my choice. But also because I could have seen Maro Gusteau, Reece James or Marc Cucu Leyla does different jobs in the game.

“I think Chilwell is a top full-back who has been doing the job and had opportunities in the past to win titles and get into the national team, but it's hard for me to see Ben doing anything different.”

Maresca said at the same news conference while discussing James' recovery that he “doesn't like the fullbacks moving up and down.”

He also addressed reports linking 21-year-old young defender Renato Veiga with a move to Borussia Dortmund. Portugal international Vega only joined Chelsea from Basel last summer but is said to be unhappy with his playing time and position – Chelsea prefer him to play as a left-back rather than a centre-back.

“I don't know if Renato has a deal,” Maresca said. “Yesterday he worked here and he will work today, so he is our player. We will see if anything happens.

“We brought Renato from Basel and he has performed well in different positions since he came here. This is the first time in his life that he has entered the national team. Even if he does not play his position (centre-back), Probably playing for the national team. “The team means he does well in the position he plays.

“We're delighted that all the players are getting into the international team, especially the young players who are joining Chelsea, playing in four or five different positions and getting the chance to play for the national team. We're very proud of that.”

Chelsea are winless in five games in the Premier League and will host Bournemouth on Tuesday night.