Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca laughed off a question about Renato Veiga's lack of playing time with a hilarious one-liner on Monday.
Maresca fielded multiple questions about Veiga as he spoke to the press ahead of his side's clash with high-flying Bournemouth on Tuesday.
It was reported last week that the 21-year-old, who only joined Chelsea from FC Basel in the summer, has agreed to join Borussia Dortmund.
Veiga has been limited to just one start in the Premier League for Maresca's side this season, however has been a regular fixture for the Blues in the Europa Conference League, starting all six of their games and scoring two goals.
Asked about Veiga's reported agreement with Dortmund, Maresca said that he "wasn't aware" of any such deal, and instead emphasised the importance of the youngster's versatility for both his side and his own career.
Veiga has played in a variety of positions for Chelsea this season, including at left-back, centre-back, and in central midfield.
"At the moment, he is our player," Maresca said. "The only thing I can say is that we bought Renato from Basel, he has played in different positions and has played well. This has allowed him to be in the senior national team for the first time in his life."
"I had a chat with Renato. I told him the same thing I told you. In terms of playing in the position he is playing with us, it gave him the chance to play for the national team and it caused speculation around him, meaning clubs are looking at him because he is doing well," he later added. "It is a good thing for the team and for the club."
Then asked if Veiga "wants to play more," Maresca replied with a joke that had the press room in stitches.
"I have said many times: I also want long hair, but we have 24 or 25 players, so it is not possible," he jibed.
Maresca on Jackson: "He has to continue to work"
Elsewhere in his press conference on Monday, Maresca spoke on the form of Nicolas Jackson.
The Senegalese striker enjoyed a fine start to the season, hitting eight goals and producing three assists in his first 13 Premier League games.
He's since managed just one goal in his last six, however, and none in his last four. He also hasn't registered an assist since the end of September.
"We are completely happy with Nicolas," Maresca said. "We don't judge Nicolas just for the goals but we judge Nicolas for different things. He is doing well, scoring goals with us that are not penalties."
"He has also been a bit unlucky because he has had great chances to score," he added.
On what advice he would give to Jackson to rediscover his goalscoring form, Maresca said: "Nicolas has to continue to work and for sure he will score goals."
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