Alejandro Garnacho once described his decision to leave Manchester United and join Chelsea as a “step forward” in his career. The words were spoken confidently in December, inside a cramped interview area beneath the stands of Atalanta’s Gewiss Stadium. Just a few months later, however, that promised step forward increasingly looks like a step backward — at least in the eyes of the Stamford Bridge faithful.
The move itself is no longer the main issue. Instead, the focus has shifted to how Garnacho is performing on the pitch and whether he is truly fulfilling the role Chelsea envisioned for him.
While former United teammates Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford have transitioned smoothly into life away from Old Trafford, Garnacho’s attempt to rebuild his reputation in west London has been anything but straightforward. Expectations were high, patience was initially generous, but cracks are now clearly visible.
Growing Frustration at Stamford Bridge
Signs of supporter impatience resurfaced during Chelsea’s comeback victory over West Ham United last weekend. Even before halftime, sections of the crowd had turned restless with Garnacho’s display, culminating in loud reactions when head coach Liam Rosenior substituted the Argentine winger at the break.
It marked the seventh time this season that Garnacho has been withdrawn before the 60-minute mark. So far, the 21-year-old has completed a full 90 minutes only twice in a Chelsea shirt, one of those coming against Wolverhampton Wanderers — the same opponent Chelsea are set to face again this weekend.
For a player once heralded as one of Europe’s most exciting young wingers, the numbers paint a worrying picture.
Becoming a Target for Criticism
Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin, who was on BBC commentary duty during the West Ham match, suggested the early substitution may have been made to protect Garnacho rather than punish him.
“He was getting extremely harsh treatment from the fans,” Nevin explained. “It wasn’t quite at the level of what Raheem Sterling experienced at the end of his Chelsea career, but I genuinely thought, ‘Take him off — this isn’t fair, it could destroy him.’”
Nevin also pointed to Garnacho’s unusual reputation for being booed regardless of venue.
“I don’t know him personally, but he’s one of those players who gets jeered almost everywhere he plays. There aren’t many like that. Marc Cucurella was one, and Garnacho is another,” Nevin added.
“When it comes from your own fans, it becomes much harder. Cucurella went through the same thing early at Chelsea and proved it can be turned around with hard work and resilience.”
Rosenior’s Public Backing
Despite the noise from the stands, Rosenior has been clear in his support for Garnacho ahead of the trip to Wolves. An injury to Jamie Gittens could even hand Garnacho an extended run on the left flank in the coming weeks.
“Alej will be the first to admit his performance against West Ham wasn’t at his best,” Rosenior said. “But there were collective issues as well. My first-half coaching performance wasn’t good enough either. This isn’t about crowd reaction.”
“That game is done. Garna is an outstanding player — that’s why he’s here. There are many good moments ahead for him.”
Interestingly, Garnacho has been substituted in all four matches he has started under Rosenior. His most decisive contribution actually came from the bench, scoring twice in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal.
He was also an unused substitute during Chelsea’s 3–1 win away at Crystal Palace — a performance many described as the team’s best display under Rosenior so far.
Confidence Appears to Be Fading
The most concerning aspect of Garnacho’s recent performances is his reluctance to take defenders on. Once known for his fearless dribbling, he now frequently opts to turn back and recycle possession rather than attack his marker directly.
Nevin understands that pattern all too well.
“I’ve been there myself,” he recalled. “At the end of my Chelsea career, I lost confidence and felt I couldn’t beat anyone. The coach told me to take two touches and cross — any more and I’d be dropped.”
“Months of that made me doubt myself. It wasn’t until I played for Scotland and the coach told me to keep trying that things changed.”
“You need someone to tell Garnacho: if you try seven times, fail six, but succeed once and create a goal, you’ve won. Nobody remembers the failures.”
Support Over Pressure
Nevin firmly believes Garnacho needs encouragement rather than additional pressure. During the second leg against Arsenal, there were moments when teammates appeared reluctant to isolate him in one-on-one situations.
Rosenior, however, rejected any suggestion that confidence in Garnacho is fading internally.
“That’s your perspective,” he said. “I see Garna driving the team forward. I see him in excellent positions, going one-on-one with one of the best defenders in the world, Jurrien Timber.”
“He creates threats with his movement. I fully support him and will always protect my players. He needs minutes and rhythm, which is difficult with the amount of changes we’ve made.”
Room to Grow
With one goal and three assists in the Premier League so far, Garnacho’s output leaves plenty of room for improvement. Interestingly, his numbers still compare favorably with former Chelsea winger Noni Madueke over the same number of appearances at Arsenal.
Even so, Nevin remains unconvinced.
“I don’t understand why the club sold Madueke and signed Garnacho,” he admitted. “Madueke is an England international with huge ability. Whether he plays left or right doesn’t matter to me.”
Now, whether operating from the left or right flank, the moment has arrived for Garnacho to finally deliver on the “step forward” he once promised — not with words, but with performances that win back belief at Stamford Bridge.
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