Enzo Maresca, the manager of Chelsea, “enforces” an odd positional change on a team member during training.

Christopher Nkunku was allegedly coerced into switching roles by Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca during practice earlier this season.

The Blues are currently getting ready for Sunday’s Club World Cup final matchup against Paris Saint-Germain.

Nkunku has contributed to Chelsea’s journey to the main event in the US, despite continuous rumors about his future.

The 27-year-old has played in five of the team’s games, including the 3-1 loss to Flamengo in the group stage. He scored a crucial goal in the team’s victory over Benfica in the round of 16.

However, L’Equipe claims that earlier in the campaign, Nkunku was the victim of a strange training-ground ruse.

According to the report, Maresca has allegedly used the France international in a defensive midfield position at the team’s Cobham training facilities on multiple occasions.

Throughout his time at Chelsea, Nkunku has been utilized extensively in all offensive positions, but never in such a defensive or deep position.

Since Nkunku has been repeatedly linked to a transfer elsewhere, it is assumed that this was done to test his character, though the outlet does not specify why.

Nkunku is reportedly frustrated with being used as a number nine or on the flank and would much rather play as a number ten because Cole Palmer rarely gives him the opportunity to do so.

The former PSG and RB Leipzig player is reportedly eager to take on a new challenge elsewhere later in the summer transfer window, in large part because of this.

Nkunku may have improved his reputation with Maresca after receiving 275 minutes of playing time in the Club World Cup.

On the other hand, his appearances have occurred when Noni Madueke’s future was uncertain and players like Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro weren’t always available.

Nkunku will be the favorite to keep his place in the team after playing 86 minutes as a right winger against Fluminense earlier this week in the semi-finals.

Whether Liam Delap rejoins the team will determine a lot. Pedro might move to the right before Nkunku if he does what is anticipated.