Gukesh's coach reveals one problem with chess world champion that cannot be fully resolved: 'It's his nature'

Reigning world champion D Gukesh has struggled to meet the heights that he achieved in the run-up to his historic world chess title triumph and he is working hard alongside his coach, Grzegorz Gajewski, to solve the issues behind this downfall.

Gukesh became the youngest undisputed world champion in chess history in 2024, but his performances and ratings have consistently dropped since then. His world championship reign has faced severe criticism, with many pointing out that he is not the best player in the world.

However, Gajewski says that Gukesh is under no pressure to live up to the standards that others are setting for him.

Gukesh unbothered by criticism

Recently, the legendary Gary Kasparov said that the history of the world championship ended with Magnus Carlsen relinquishing it in 2023. He said that the title does not matter now. Gukesh has faced similar criticism from other legends as well. However, Gajewski says that the 20-year-old remains unaffected by these comments.

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“I don’t think meeting the expectations of former world champions is his main goal as a professional chess player,” Gajewski told The Indian Express. “I don’t think the comments affected him at all. They have the right to their opinions. It’s your responsibility as a professional chess player, especially of his calibre, to simply focus on your job.”

Gajewski, who has been with Gukesh since 2023, agreed that his protege's results have been disappointing of late, but he insists, “It’s just a matter of time for him."

Gukesh's odd problem

The Polish Grandmaster said that he is closely working alongside Gukesh, but there remains one problem that the reigning world champion cannot really solve.

“We’ve done a lot of work that was focusing on elements that are somewhere between chess and psychology. The work never ends, really. We’ve done a lot of work on the time management thing, but it’s a problem that can never be fully solved," he said.

"It’s his (Gukesh’s) nature to think (calculate during games). So this is not something that can be just solved for good. It’s a constant challenge for him,” explains Gajewski.

Gajewski believes that Gukesh is consistently improving and his hard work will soon be reflected in results.

“There are many aspects in his play which have improved. And while these might not yet be reflected in the results, I think it’s just a matter of one good confidence boost that will allow him to show his full potential,” he said.