Christopher Nkunku’s return to full fitness was expected to spark a new dimension in Chelsea’s attack. Yet in the recent Premier League clash with Brentford, the Frenchman looked far from his best, and his half-time substitution raised fresh concerns about his role and adaptation under Enzo Maresca.

Maresca, however, was quick to shut down any suggestions that Nkunku’s underwhelming performance was due to a lack of commitment.

“It’s just a game, not a lack of effort. I see Christo every day and it is working well,” Maresca told reporters after the 2-2 draw with Brentford. The Chelsea head coach remains convinced of Nkunku’s work ethic, insisting the forward’s struggles are more tactical and mental than motivational.

The Brentford clash was yet another example of Nkunku’s desire to make things happen sometimes working against him. His positioning was off, his decision-making rushed, and he couldn’t influence the game the way fans know he can. But Maresca believes the issue lies in Nkunku’s eagerness to make a difference.

“Sometimes he wants to do more during a game and struggles a little bit. But I don’t think it’s a lack of effort,” the Italian coach explained. It’s a revealing insight into the psychology of a player desperate to impress and justify the hype that surrounded his summer move from RB Leipzig.

Nkunku was withdrawn at half-time, but Maresca insists it was part of a broader game plan.

“We plan the game this way to start in one way and finish in a different way,” he said. “We thought after 45 minutes, one hour, we were getting better and they were getting tired. We expected to improve in the second-half.”