4 days ago
69
The manager of Chelsea, Enzo Maresca has explained why he did not select Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia, and Wes Fofana for the UEFA Conference League squad this season.
Enzo Maresca said the decision was made to protect the three players amid fitness issues and overloaded schedules.
He mentioned that although Cole Palmer is fit and doing well, the team intends to safeguard his development.
“The reason why Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia, and Wes Fofana are out of the Conference League squad is because we try to protect them,” Enzo Maresca told reporters ahead of Chelsea’s league game against Bournemouth which will kick off at 8 p.m. later tonight, September 15.
The Italian coach added, “Cole is fit, he’s fine. We are happy with how he is.”
Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca has disclosed that he had a straightforward conversation with Chelsea’s summer signings, Jadon Sancho and Joao Felix before their official arrival at the club.
Maresca said he had warned them that they would only secure a place in the team through hard work. He emphasized that if they did not adhere to the principles and work diligently, they would not find a place in the team.
The coach said, “Before they joined the club, I had a chat with them, and one of my messages to them was if you come here and don’t work properly then you are not going to play.
“Before they arrived, the message for them was clear. For Jadon. For Joao.
“But the reason why I’m speaking to you is because I really like you. If you come here in the way that we want, we are happy.
“But if you come there and don’t work hard, it’s better if you don’t come.”
English (US) ·