Maresca’s press conference ahead of the match with Barrow.
Image credit: The Chelsea’s Valiant
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has urged his team to maintain focus and not underestimate Barrow ahead of their Carabao Cup third-round match on Tuesday.
In his press conference, Maresca stressed the importance of taking the game seriously, highlighting the potential risks of complacency against lower-league opposition.
“Football is full of these kinds of games where you think it is an easy game and then it is a sticky game. In this moment, it is probably the worst game for us. This is why we need to take it seriously,” Maresca said, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all players are sharp and ready for the challenge Barrow presents.
While confirming that fringe players such as Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka, along with some academy prospects, would feature in the game, Maresca also revealed that Malo Gusto is fit and ready to play.
Romeo Lavia, meanwhile, is back in training but will be rested for a possible return against Brighton.
The match also offers a valuable opportunity for players such as Dewsbury-Hall who have seen limited Premier League minutes to showcase their talents.
The Chelsea manager expressed his contentment with Dewsbury-Hall’s progress, noting that while the midfielder is adapting well, he’s facing the challenge of transitioning from being the central figure at Leicester City to fighting for a more competitive spot at Chelsea.
Maresca reiterated his satisfaction with their efforts in training, adding that this cup tie is a good platform for them to impress.
As Chelsea look to progress in the competition, Maresca remains confident in the team’s overall development but stressed the need for continued improvement in both attack and defense.