Former Ecuador manager Jorge Célico blames Chelsea‘s Kendry Páez and those around him for the player’s struggles.
The Argentine coach spoke to D Sports Radio to analyse the 19-year-old’s situation and Ecuavisa have relayed his comments.
Problems follow Chelsea man
In June 2023, the Premier League side agreed a deal with Independiente del Valle for the attacking midfielder to join Chelsea in 2025.
A year later, he was partying with friends despite being a minor. He also went to a club in New York with an Ecuador teammate, resulting in the national team FA threating to expel the Chelsea youngster.
Kendry Páez is yet to make an appearance for Chelsea. In July 2025, the Blues sent him on loan to RC Strasbourg, where he managed a goal from 21 appearances.
In January, the Premier League side cut short his stay in France, only to send him on loan to River Plate. He managed a goal and an assist from 14 matches for the Argentine club. This move turned out to be a disaster for all parties.
He was accused of mocking the club on social media, which the player has already denied.
River Plate terminated his loan and the Ecuador international is back at Stamford Bridge. Xabi Alonso’s side failed to find a loan club in the summer window. Therefore, he’s now part of their U21 squad.
Coach blames Chelsea man’s camp
Jorge Célico managed Ecuador’s U20, U23 and the senior team between 2017 and 2020.
The Argentine never coached Kendry Páez and was sharing his views on why he hasn’t taken off yet.
“In my opinion, Kendry isn’t being properly advised. He has the talent; I coached him in the U-17s. Technically, he’s very good and has excellent vision. He’s a player who’s going to break out because he has so much talent,” he said.
“It was a mistake to skip steps with him; he didn’t play for the U20s in the World Cup. That means skipping stages you should complete in your development.”
The Ecuadorian has a contract until 2033 and has to wait until January to find a new loan club.
